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Announcing an immediate vacancy for:

Second Horn

Announcing an immediate vacancy for:

Second Horn

Preliminary Recordings due: June 5th, 2023
Electronic submission must be received by: 11:59 PM EST*
Live Round: September 18th, 2023
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 high-quality audio recordings no more than six months old consisting of excerpts from the following - see PDF below (separate files for each excerpt preferred):

  • First movement exposition of one of the following: Mozart Horn Concerto No. 2 or No. 4, R. Strauss Concerto No. 1
  • Beethoven – Symphony No. 3 – Mvt 3, Trio m. 171-205 – Horn 2
  • Beethoven – Symphony No. 8 – Mvt 3, m 45-78 – Horn 2
  • Shostakovich – Symphony No. 5 – Mvt 1 Rehearsal 17-21 – Horn 2
  • Bernstein – Overture to Candide – m. 122-201- Horn 1
  • Any additional piece(s) that further demonstrate versatility and excellence
Download Excerpt Packet

Live round excerpts will be sent to selected candidates 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 the french horn. 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.

-Section Horn in the concert and marching bands of the West Point Band.
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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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-Perform 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.

Any questions related to the job or music for the audition should be directed to Staff Sergeant Chris Hunter: christopher.hunter@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