Military Band Member

Musicians in military ensembles perform in some of the top ensembles in the nation and serve their country through their musicianship. The most prominent groups are commonly known as military bands, but these ensembles are often closer to a symphonic orchestra in terms of instrumentation and perform in a wide variety of styles.

In the United States, each of the five military branches features at least one premier ensemble composed of some of the best enlisted musicians in the country. The military members in these bands work full-time as professional musicians and perform at the highest levels domestically and around the world. Entrance into these groups is highly competitive, with performers from across the country attending the auditions. Musicians hoping to be admitted to these ensembles need excellent proficiency of their instrument, repertoire knowledge, and extensive performance experience.

It is important to note that while a military musician’s career is primarily musical performance, all of these ensembles require enlistment in the associated military branch and completion of basic training, even though military band members are generally not assigned to active combat duty. Those interested in this career route must be fully ready for the commitments of being an active military member in addition to the musical requirements of performing at this level. In exchange for their service, military band members receive excellent benefits, job security, travel opportunities, and the ability to perform at the highest level as a full-time career.