The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band

Ceremonial/ Commercial Percussion

Apply before: March 24, 2025

Audition date(s): May 19, 2025 - May 20, 2025

The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the U.S. Army’s premier musical organization, announces a vacancy for PERCUSSION 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.  The winning candidate for this audition will also be expected to perform with other ensembles including The U.S. Army Blues, Swamp Romp, Latin Music Ensemble, and other commercial combos across the unit.  

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 may still attend the live preliminary audition on May 19th. 

• 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). 

Prescreening recordings will be due by March 24th, 2025

Applications for the live audition will be due by May 5th, 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 Rep 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 Matthew Evans.

Contact the Auditions Coordinator

Applicants with questions or concerns regarding the CEREMONIAL/COMMERCIAL PERCUSSION audition may contact Sergeant First Class Matthew Evans.