The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band
Saxophone
Apply before: September 8, 2025
Audition date(s): October 27, 2025

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 75 musicians whose principal function is performing for high-visibility ceremonial events in the National Capital region to include memorial support in Arlington National Cemetery.
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. 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 frequently perform with the U.S. Army Concert Band, the U.S. Army Rock Orchestra, and the U.S. Army Blues 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 and/or recorded preliminary audition.
- Candidates that do not advance from a recording are encouraged to still attend the live preliminary audition on October 27th, 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, and any subsequent rounds, will take place on October 27th, 2025.
Audition Dates
Deadline to Submit Recorded Preliminary Audition
September 8th, 2025
Deadline to Apply for the Live Preliminary Audition
October 13th, 2025
Live Auditions
October 27th, 2025
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 17-34 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 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).
Contact the Auditions Coordinator
Applicants with questions or concerns regarding the U.S. ARMY CEREMONIAL BAND SAXOPHONE VACANCY may contact Sergeant First Class Matthew Evans.
Benefits
Compensation
The annual starting salary for Staff Sergeant equates to $79,612 without dependents and $86,416 with dependents
Healthcare
Full medical and dental coverage
Paid Leave
30 days paid vacation annually
Retirement
The Blended Retirement System allows you to immediately begin contributing to a retirement account, in addition to being eligible for a pension after 20 years of active duty service.
Education
Earn full tuition for higher education through the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Also, tuition assistance is available for continuing education.
Military Rank
Members of “Pershing’s Own” are given the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 42S (forty two sierra), “Special Band Musician”. Personnel are promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) two months after completion of Basic Combat Training.
Location
Permanent duty assignment to Fort Myer, VA, located near the heart of Washington, DC
Learn More About Army Benefits
goarmy.com/benefits
Eligibility
- All applicants must currently hold U.S. Citizenship
- Civilian applicants must be 34 years of age or younger at the time of the audition
- All applicants must meet the standard requirements for enlistment in the United States Army