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Announcing an immediate vacancy for:

Commercial Trombone

Announcing an immediate vacancy for:

Commercial Trombone

Preliminary Recordings due: April 30, 2025
Electronic submission must be received by: 11:59 PM EST*
Live Round: August 4, 2025
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 $79,209 - $90,621 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 high-quality audio recordings no more than six months old with the below music in the order listed (separate files for each excerpt preferred).

Part 1: Record the following prepared excerpts with metronome.

  • “Standing Next to You” ¼ note = 106
  • “In The Stone” ¼ note = 108
  • “September” ¼ note = 127
  • “Uptown Funk” ¼ note = 115

Part 2: Record the following selections with your choice of play-along track (Jamey Aebersold, iReal Pro, etc) or live accompaniment (minimum bass and keys/guitar).

  1. “My One and Only Love” perform as a ballad, once through entire form (8va)
  2. “Autumn Leaves” medium swing, play melody plus 2-3 choruses of improvisation
  3. Medium funk selection of your choice; include an energetic improvised solo

Part 3 (Optional): Include up to two additional, brief selections showcasing your abilities in lead playing, jazz/pop improvisation, salsa/Latin styles, or other relevant commercial expertise. 

Download Excerpt Packet

Live round excerpts will be sent to selected candidates via email.

Your resume should include education, performance/work/teaching experience, and references.

Your cover letter should augment your resume, describing what additional skills you bring to the position beyond trombone. This might include skills in arts administration, arranging, audio mixing/engineering, other instrument/vocal proficiencies, marketing, 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.  
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Main duties will include rehearsals and performances with The Benny Havens Band, a 10-piece Top 40/popular music ensemble. Additional performance settings include small jazz and pop ensembles, ceremonial brass groups, large symphonic ensemble, and ceremonial marching band. Applicants must demonstrate strong, versatile abilities in the styles listed above, and must be able to sight read.  

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.

Questions about this job listing or music list should be directed to SFC Geoffrey Vidal. geoffrey.vidal@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. The hired candidate will be required to march in ceremonial formations and stand for prolonged periods of time. 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 audio 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