The U.S. Army Strings

Cello

Apply before: September 8, 2026

Audition date(s): November 2, 2026

The U.S. Army Strings, a premier ensemble of the U.S. Armed Forces, provide a musical backdrop for many of the country’s most notable events. Their mission is to serve as musical ambassadors for high-level military and government events at home and abroad, as well as in concert for public audiences. The Soldiers who comprise this ensemble have been trained at the most prestigious music conservatories and universities in the country. This versatile ensemble performs as The U.S. Army Strolling Strings, in mixed chamber ensembles, and as The U.S. Army Orchestra.

The U.S. Army Strolling Strings are one of the most requested musical ensembles by our nation’s military leadership. Since its inception during the Eisenhower administration, the group has provided musical entertainment at the White House for every president. Missions include performing for the Department of Defense, the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, kings, queens, and heads of state from countries worldwide. The Strolling Strings offer audiences the unique perspective of being within the ensemble as Soldiers elegantly move about the venue playing their instruments. The Strolling Strings offer a wide array of memorized repertoire, including patriotic, classical, international, jazz, Broadway, bluegrass, and exclusive music arrangements for special guests and events.

Chamber music is a core element of The U.S. Army Strings’ mission. String quartets provide a backdrop for significant official functions as well as public performances. Duos, trios, quartets, and mixed chamber ensembles perform in venues throughout the National Capital Region.

The U.S. Army Strings join with Soldiers from other elements of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” to form The U.S. Army Orchestra. This group performs musical works from a diverse repertoire at some of the nation’s finest venues, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, Lincoln Center in New York City, the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland, the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at Maryland, College Park, and the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria, Virginia.

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 and/or recorded preliminary audition.
• Candidates that do not advance from a recording are encouraged to still attend the live preliminary audition on November 2nd, 2026.
• 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, and any subsequent rounds, will take place on November 2nd, 2026.

Audition Dates

Deadline to Submit Recorded Preliminary Audition
September 8th, 2026

Deadline to Apply for the Live Preliminary Audition
October 19th, 2026

Live Auditions
November 2nd, 2026

Repertoire Lists

Live Audition Repertoire (.pdf)
Recorded Preliminary Audition Repertoire (.pdf)

Eligibility

All applicants must meet basic enlistment standards for The U.S. Army including:

• Age 17-42 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 preexisting medical conditions, recent surgeries, or criminal history, please consult with your local Army Recruiter prior to applying to confirm enlistment eligibility.

Applications

To apply for this vacancy and request the complete packet of audition materials, candidates must submit the following using the "Apply Now" button below:

• One-page résumé (.pdf) including your current e-mail address, home address, phone number, and birthdate.
• Current military applicants must also include (1) their Soldier Talent Profile or equivalent, (2) a Letter of Intent to Release from their Commander, and (3) their last two NCOERs (if applicable).

Applicants with questions or concerns regarding the U.S. ARMY STRINGS CELLO VACANCY may contact Sergeant First Class Matthew Evans.