The U.S. Army Concert Band
String Bass
Apply before: January 19, 2026
Audition date(s): March 16, 2026

The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the U.S. Army’s premier musical organization, announces a vacancy for String Bass in The U.S. Army Concert Band.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, The U.S. Army Concert Band has performed in concert venues such as Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Hollywood Bowl. Throughout the year the ensemble participates in ongoing educational outreach and often appears at national and international music events, including the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the National Association for Music Education, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and the American Bandmasters Association.
During the summer months, the Concert Band performs outdoor concerts on the West Steps of the U.S. Capitol and at venues throughout the Washington, DC area. Other performance opportunities include recording sessions and with chamber ensembles. The Concert Band supports international diplomacy efforts by performing in state functions and military ceremonies in the National Capital Region. The winning candidate for this audition will also be expected to perform with other large and small ensembles in "Pershing's Own".
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 March 16th, 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 March 16th, 2026.
Audition Dates
Deadline to Submit Recorded Preliminary Audition
January 19th, 2026
Deadline to Apply for the Live Preliminary Audition
March 2nd, 2026
Live Auditions
March 16th, 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 17-34 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 CONCERT BAND STRING BASS 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