One of the more visible jobs in the Army is playing in the band. You see different groups of Army band members at concerts, parades, or marches, and you can observe that there is quite a difference sometimes in the types of music they play, or even what their unit resembles. There are a lot of different groups of Army Special Band members.
Army Special Band members play in a variety of group sizes, from ceremonial bands to small ensembles, even jazz bands. They play all different types of music, and represent the best that the Army has to offer, and showcase many of its traditions and its pride in service. Music provides a lot of tradition and history to show who and what the United States Army is, and where it came from.
Special Band members play for dances, concerts, festivals, special events, and many other both traditional and non-traditional ceremonies. The Army Special Band member is a direct support job, playing for the U.S. Army Field Band, the U.S. Army Band, the 3rd Infantry Fife and Drum Corps, to name a few.
Some of your duties and responsibilities as a Special Band Member may include:
-Reading and transposing music by sight as required.
-Participating in security duties during heightened levels of military awareness.
-Performing all different types and styles of music.
-Leading or playing in orchestras, combos, ensembles, bands, and jazz groups.
-Performing in civilian or military ceremonies.
-Learning and rehearsing different new music on occasion.
-Performing in dances, festivals, concerts, street parades and other types of performances.
-Performing cleaning and maintenance of different instruments.
Unfortunately this is not an entry-level position normally. You should already know how to play at least one instrument, and be considered proficient at it before considering the Army Special Band member MOS. To be considered you will have to perform and pass at least one, likely several different auditions. You should be able to sight read different styles of music. You should have normal hearing and correctable vision to 20-20.
Job training is a bit different for Army Special Band members. Because it’s not an entry-level position, directly following basic training you will be assigned to your new command. There you will practice and work on training with your instrument on a constant basis to achieve and maintain a high proficiency. You will be expected to work with your director and respond to areas that you need improvement.
