Announcing an immediate vacancy for:

Vocal/Guitar OR Vocal/Keyboard

Announcing an immediate vacancy for:

Vocals/Guitar or Vocals/Keyboards

Preliminary Recordings due: May 15th, 2023

Electronic submission must be received by: 11:59 PM EST*

Live Round: Invitations to follow

Applicants invited to live round will receive paid airfare, lodging, and food stipend provided by U.S. Army (pending approval for military service)

Salary & Benefits

Annual salary $77,732 - $88,480 upon promotion to Staff Sergeant (accelerated promotion via Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program)
- Full military benefits (medical/dental/retirement plans)
- 30 days paid vacation yearly
- Post 9/11 GI Bill and Tuition Assistance
- Stabilized duty assignment at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York

Application packets

Audition packets must include a resume with date of birth, cover letter, and video recordings of 4-6 selections in various commercial/Top 40 styles, demonstrating exceptional vocal and keyboard AND/OR vocal and guitar performance skill.

At least one selection should feature the applicant as a solo performer, accompanying themselves on guitar or keys
Several selections should feature instrumental ability on guitar and/or keys
Must include an a cappella performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” performed at a medium tempo with minimal embellishment
Recordings may be from live performances or from a studio setting
Demonstration of additional musical or production related skills may be included in the application
Applicants selected for a live audition will be informed via email

Your resume should include education, performance/work/teaching experience (including marching), any other pertinent information.

Your cover letter should augment your resume, describing what additional skills you bring to the position beyond vocals, guitar, or keyboard. This might include skills in arranging, audio mixing/engineering, other instrument/vocal proficiencies, computer skills (graphics/video editing/Microsoft Office/other), etc.

Your completed application can be submitted via the form at the bottom of this page.

Job Description

The West Point Band is a U.S. Army premier band whose main duty is to perform for local, national, and international audiences in support of the West Point community, the U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Army.

-Perform as a featured vocalist and rhythm section keyboard or guitarist with the West Point Band’s commercial music group, “The Benny Havens Band” (BHB); with the greater West Point Band for large scale events; as a soloist for ceremonial and social activities; and as a member of various additional small popular music groups
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-Perform for local, national, and international audiences in support of the West Point community, the United States Military Academy, and the United States Army.
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-Provide solid background vocal harmony in the BHB setting while performing on guitar or keyboard

-Learn and execute choreography as required for live performance

-Strong comping, soloing, and sight-reading skills are required on guitar or keys

-Set up and tear down equipment with the BHB team for each performance

-Secondary duties related to the day-to-day functioning of the West Point Band will be assigned based on experience, knowledge, interest, and/or needs of the unit.

Any questions related to this job posting should be directed to Sergeant First Class Juan Quiñones: juan.quinones@westpoint.edu

Qualifications

Professional performance level; Bachelor of Music degree or higher preferred (not required). Ability to meet Army initial entry requirements and maintain a professional appearance. Must be a U.S. citizen or other qualified resident. Position requires at least a four-year service contract; candidate will be informed of acceptance prior to enlistment.

Upon accepting employment with the West Point Band, the hired candidate will be required to complete Army Basic Training.

Military Personnel

Military personnel must also submit their Soldier Record Brief (or equivalent) without photo, three years of performance evaluation reports, and a Commander’s Intent to Release memo.

Electronic Submission (preferred)

Submit your application by filling out the form below and uploading the necessary documents and/or files.
Only high-quality VIDEO recordings will be accepted and evaluated.
Separating files for each excerpt is permitted and preferred.
Upon submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email sent to the email you have provided.

If you encounter any issues submitting your application, please email: bandauditions@westpoint.edu