Preliminary Recordings Due: October 1, 2025
Audition Date/Interview: December 11, 2025 - Fort Meade, MD

1. Provide high-quality audio recordings in mp3 format of each of the examples listed below that best represent your skills.
   • With Big Band (Live or Studio Recording):
     • Med Swing in the style of Count Basie, tempo range (+/-) 108 - 130bpm
     • Ballad swing or straight feel in the style of Thad Jones Mel Lewis Orchestra, tempo range (+/-) 54 - 68bpm – must demonstrate use of brushes
     • Up Tempo Swing, tempo range (+/-) 285 - 310bpm
     • Latin Chart, style and tempo of candidate’s choice
   • Small Group:
     • Candidate's choice of either Be Bop, Rhythm Changes, Jazz Standard, or original composition. Form: Head in, candidate must solo over the form (min 2 choruses, trading or unaccompanied), head out.
     • Candidate's choice of Traditional Jazz Tune. (ex. Bourbon Street Parade, O When The Saints Go Marching In, Up A Lazy River, Muskrat Ramble, etc)
     • Candidate's tune of choice in the style of either Funk, Jazz Hip Hop, Fusion, Soul, Reggae, or Rock.
   • *Can provide any additional recordings that best highlight your abilities*
2. Name each file as follows: ComposerLastName_TitleOfSelection.mp3
3. Upload files to a single folder in a cloud provider of your choice (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.). Create a PUBLICLY VIEWABLE link to the folder and add the link to the body of an email. Do not include videos or identifying information in the recordings or folder.
4. Attach a recent resumé in PDF format with your current physical address, phone, and email address to the email containing the link to your folder. Send to: usarmyfieldbandauditions@army.mil.

Select applicants will be invited to Fort Meade, MD, for an in-person audition and interview on December 11, 2025. Final audition requirements will be provided with invitation. Travel expenses will be paid upon meeting the U.S. Army’s aptitude, physical, and behavioral standards. Military personnel must be eligible for a PCS, submit an Intent to Release memorandum from the unit Commander, and submit a Soldier Talent Profile (STP) or equivalent. Questions regarding the audition may be sent to usarmyfieldbandauditions@army.mil.

• Perform in the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band
• Perform in various small groups (Traditional Jazz Band, Modern Jazztet, Piano Trio, etc.)
• Tour approximately 80-100 days in the U.S. and abroad
• Contribute to innovative performances for broadcast audiences, live events, and educational outreach
• Learn and refine new skills as desired in multimedia production, marketing, music education, and more

• Professional performance level on drum set
• Fluency in Jazz (traditional, modern swing, and various straight 8th styles) as well as other genres such as Pop, Funk, and Latin
• Strong sight-reading skills required
• Knowledge and experience with performance in both Big Band and small group ensembles
• Ability to meet Army height/weight standards
• Civilian applicants must be 17-34 years of age or up to 42 with a waiver
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)