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Announcing an immediate vacancy for:

Double Bass

Announcing an immediate vacancy for:

Double Bass

Preliminary Recordings due: December 6th, 2024
Electronic submission must be received by: 11:59 PM EST*
Live Round: April 14th, 2025
Applicants invited to the live round will receive paid travel, lodging, and food stipend provided by U.S. Army (pending approval for military service).

Salary & Benefits

- Annual salary $75,312 - $86,076 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 following music in this order (separate files for each excerpt preferred):

  • J.S. Bach | Cello Suite No. 3 in G Major
    - Bourrée I & II (no repeats)
  • Beethoven | Symphony No. 9, IV Presto
    - Recitative meas. 8-90, skipping 30-37
  • Beethoven | Symphony No. 5, III Allegro
    - Scherzo, beginning-5 after A  
    - Trio, meas. 137-218 (no repeat)   
  • Mozart | Symphony No. 40, I Molto allegro
    - pickup to meas. 111-138
  • Jazz on double bass (with metronome on 2 & 4):
    - Autumn Leaves, medium swing, play melody then walk a chorus
    - Cherokee, up-tempo, minimum tempo of 240, walk a chorus
  • Electric bass (with metronome):
    - Sir Duke, rehearsal letter C to E
    - This Christmas, beginning to 2nd Verse
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.

Play double bass and electric bass with the West Point Band’s concert band in classical, popular, and jazz styles.  
‍
Play with chamber ensembles that range in musical genre.
 
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 Sgt 1st Class Phil Helm : phillip.helm@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