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Vacancy Details
  • Position: 
    Trumpet (Section)
  • Component: 
    Jazz Ambassadors
  • Recorded Prelim Deadline: 
    July 13, 2026
  • Final Audition/Interview, Fort Meade, MD: 
    September 21, 2026

Click here for audition materials

Printable Flyer

How to Apply

Preliminary Recordings Due: July 13, 2026

Audition Date/Interview: September 21, 2026 - Fort Meade, MD

  1. Provide high-quality audio recordings in mp3 format of each of excerpt listed below. (Excerpts can be recorded with or without a click track)

    • Little Pixie II (Excerpt 1) - Half note = 120; 3rd bar after C through letter E

    • Little Pixie II (Excerpt 2) - Half note = 120; P through the end of letter Q

    • Nutville (Excerpt 3) - Half note = 138; Pickups to 5 after G - first bar of H

    • Provide up to 10 minutes of cuts from recordings that best highlight your abilities – Can include live recordings with full band, small group, etc. Please label each excerpt individually as directed below. Name each file as follows: ComposerLastName_TitleOfSelection.mp3
     

  2. Upload files to a single folder in a cloud provider of your choice (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) along with a recent resumé in PDF format. Create a PUBLICLY VIEWABLE link to the folder and submit through the provided “APPLY NOW” link. Do not include videos or identifying information in the recordings.
     
  3. If selected, travel/lodging/meals paid following enlistment qualification through a US Army recruiter. Questions regarding the audition may be sent to the Auditions Team at usarmyfieldbandauditions@army.mil.
     
Description
  • Perform in the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band
  • 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 needed in multimedia production, marketing,
    music education, and more
Qualifications
  • Professional performance level on trumpet with a strong emphasis on ensemble
    playing
  • Strong sight-reading skills required
  • Must demonstrate fluency as an ensemble player in Jazz (traditional, modern
    swing, and various straight 8th styles) as well as other genres such as Pop,
    Rock, Funk, and Latin, etc.
  • Knowledge and experience with performance in both Big Band and commercial
    music applications
  • Must have at minimum, a high school diploma (or GED equivalent); Bachelor
    degree or higher is preferred, but not required
  • Ability to meet Army height/weight standards
  • applicants must be 17 to 42 years of age
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)
About the Ensemble:
Jazz Ambassadors
Jazz Ambassadors

The Jazz Ambassadors, the U.S. Army’s premier big band, was formed in 1969 and is celebrated both nationally and internationally for performing America’s original art form—jazz. Known as “America’s Big Band,” this 19-member ensemble showcases versatile programming, including classic big band standards, solos, patriotic tunes, contemporary jazz, and original compositions by its members. Many of these works are available through their jazz education initiative, Perspectives.

The Jazz Ambassadors have performed across all 50 states and in Canada, Mexico, Europe, Japan, and India, joining prestigious orchestras like the Boston Pops and National Symphony and appearing at major jazz festivals in Montreux, Newport, and Toronto. Their performances reflect a rich legacy, met with acclaim for celebrating jazz’s unique spirit worldwide.

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