The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band

Bass Trombone

Apply before: January 6, 2025

Audition date(s): March 3, 2025 - March 4, 2025

The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the U.S. Army’s premier musical organization, announces a vacancy for BASS TROMBONE with The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band.

Providing a musical backdrop for many of the nation’s most notable events, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band has a worldwide reputation for extraordinary musicianship. The musicians in this elite ensemble have been trained at some of the most prestigious conservatories and universities in the country. The Ceremonial Band is comprised of 72 musicians whose principal function is the performance of funerals in Arlington National Cemetery and various other high-visibility ceremonial events in the National Capital region.

Ceremonial duties are primarily performed outdoors in ceremonial marching formations. The typical work schedule varies from day to day, but mainly consists of daytime work hours with an occasional night or weekend. There is some travel but it averages less than three weeks a year. Performances, in addition to those in Arlington National Cemetery, include White House and Pentagon arrival ceremonies, wreath laying ceremonies given in honor of visiting Heads of State and other dignitaries, and monthly military retirement ceremonies.

Ceremonial musicians substitute within other elements of The U.S. Army Band and have regular opportunities to perform on concerts, recitals, and as soloists.

Audition Information

Auditions will be held at Brucker Hall, home of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” at 400 McNair Road, Fort Myer, Virginia 22211-1306.

• All candidates have the choice of playing a live or recorded preliminary audition. 

• Candidates that do not advance from a recording are encouraged to still attend the live preliminary audition on March 3rd, 2025. 

• For civilian candidates that advance from a recording (into the semi-finals), the U.S. Army will cover travel expenses (pending enlistment qualification and funding approval). 

• The semi-final round will take place on March 3rd, 2025 and the final round will take place on March 4th, 2025. 

 

Applications for the recorded preliminary audition will be due by Jan 6th, 2025

Applications for the live audition will be due by February 17th, 2025
 

All applicants must meet basic enlistment standards for The US Army including:
 

• Age 17-34 at the time of the audition
• Currently hold U.S. Citizenship
• Meet height/weight standards
• Meet medical, moral and physical requirements. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, recent surgeries, or criminal history, please consult with your local Army Recruiter prior to applying to confirm enlistment eligibility.
• Must be eligible for secret security clearance

Live Audition Repertoire

Download Repertoire List

Download Recording Repertoire List

The full audition packet including all excerpts will be emailed to candidates who submit an application.

To Apply, Please Submit the Following

• One Page Resume (PDF only), including your current email, home address, phone number, and birthdate.
• Current military applicants must also include their Enlisted Records Brief or equivalent, Commander's Letter of Intent to Release, and last two NCOERs if applicable.

Please email application materials to Sergeant First Class Christopher Buckley.

Preferred Application File Formats

• PDF files only for all documents
• Audio files should be submitted as .mp3 or .wav only
• Each excerpt should be submitted as a separate audio file
• Upload audio files to a Google Drive or Dropbox folder and share the direct link in the body of application email

All application materials must be submitted electronically to the Auditions Coordinator, Sergeant First Class Christopher Buckley

Contact the Auditions Coordinator

Applicants with questions or concerns regarding the Ceremonial Band Bass Trombone audition may contact Sergeant First Class Christopher Buckley.