4 answers
Asked
444 views
How could I join the Marching band in the military, while trying to get my bachelor's degree in music?
If I wanted to join the military How would I be able to attend college to be a Band director?
Login to comment
4 answers
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Cynthia, you would definitely need to talk with a recruiter. There are different ways to possibly do this and they would be able to show you your options. Good luck.
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hello, Cynthia. This is a fairly tough one to answer. I don't know enough about the band programs in the military to really advise you fully, and I want to give you good advice. I would direct you to talk to a recruiter and see if that is an available program for you to enter the military and get into. I would advise you to talk to all the branches and see which ones would fit your goals. I am fairly certain the Army and Air Force have a band program so those would be where I would start if I were you.
If you can't get into a band program in the full time military you might want to consider the reserves. They offer tuition assistance and other education benefits that could help you fulfill your goal of going to college to be a band director as well as the regular full time military.
I hope this helped you a little at least and good luck getting the program you want.
If you can't get into a band program in the full time military you might want to consider the reserves. They offer tuition assistance and other education benefits that could help you fulfill your goal of going to college to be a band director as well as the regular full time military.
I hope this helped you a little at least and good luck getting the program you want.
Updated
Maya’s Answer
Hi Cynthia!
I am in an Army Reserve Band (the 78th Army Band specifically). This means I work as a musician for the Army for one weekend a month and two weeks over the summer. Lots of the people I work with are band directors and went to college while in the Army! I personally am a special education teacher and went to college while in the Army! The military will provide money for university (such as tuition assistance). If you would like to serve your country part-time in the Army as a musician, there are two routes you can go.
If you know which state you want to stay in and you want to go to university (and work) in that state, you can join the National Guard! Most National Guards have a band. The job is called a 42R. You can speak to a National Guard recruiter and say you want to be a 42R.
If you want to travel more and you are not sure which state you want to be in, you can join the Army Reserve! This job is also called a 42R. You can speak to an Army recruiter and say you want to be a 42R in one of the reserve bands. This is the band I serve in and can give you more information: https://www.78tharmyband.org/
You will have to pass an audition, go through 10 weeks of basic training, and go through 10 weeks of advanced individual training (learning how to be an Army musician). You can divide the basic training and advanced individual training into two separate times so you can take basic training over the summer and advanced individual training the next summer!
In order to join an Army band, you will have to take an audition (you can find more information on https://www.78tharmyband.org/ ). After the audition, you will have to pass a physical screener and then sign a 6 year contract!
It's the best decision I ever made. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Best wishes,
Maya (SSG Parry)
I am in an Army Reserve Band (the 78th Army Band specifically). This means I work as a musician for the Army for one weekend a month and two weeks over the summer. Lots of the people I work with are band directors and went to college while in the Army! I personally am a special education teacher and went to college while in the Army! The military will provide money for university (such as tuition assistance). If you would like to serve your country part-time in the Army as a musician, there are two routes you can go.
If you know which state you want to stay in and you want to go to university (and work) in that state, you can join the National Guard! Most National Guards have a band. The job is called a 42R. You can speak to a National Guard recruiter and say you want to be a 42R.
If you want to travel more and you are not sure which state you want to be in, you can join the Army Reserve! This job is also called a 42R. You can speak to an Army recruiter and say you want to be a 42R in one of the reserve bands. This is the band I serve in and can give you more information: https://www.78tharmyband.org/
You will have to pass an audition, go through 10 weeks of basic training, and go through 10 weeks of advanced individual training (learning how to be an Army musician). You can divide the basic training and advanced individual training into two separate times so you can take basic training over the summer and advanced individual training the next summer!
In order to join an Army band, you will have to take an audition (you can find more information on https://www.78tharmyband.org/ ). After the audition, you will have to pass a physical screener and then sign a 6 year contract!
It's the best decision I ever made. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Best wishes,
Maya (SSG Parry)

James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7221
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Cynthia!
Joining the Military Marching Band While Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Music
To join a military marching band while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music, you will need to navigate both the recruitment process for the military and your educational goals. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Research Military Branches with Bands
Each branch of the U.S. military has its own bands, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Each band has different requirements and opportunities:
Army Bands: The U.S. Army Field Band is one of the most well-known.
Navy Bands: The U.S. Navy Band performs at various events and ceremonies.
Air Force Bands: The United States Air Force Band offers multiple ensembles.
Marine Corps Bands: The “President’s Own” is famous for its performances.
Coast Guard Bands: Smaller but still significant in community outreach.
2. Understand Recruitment Requirements
To join any military band, you typically need to meet certain criteria:
Age Requirements: Generally between 17 and 34 years old.
Musical Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency on your instrument through an audition process.
Physical Fitness: You must pass a physical examination as part of the enlistment process.
3. Consider Educational Programs
Many military musicians can pursue education while serving:
Tuition Assistance Programs: The military offers tuition assistance for active-duty members which can cover college courses taken during service.
Flexible Scheduling: Some bands may allow flexible schedules that enable you to attend classes.
4. Enlistment Process
Once you have chosen a branch:
Visit a recruiter who specializes in music programs.
Prepare for auditions by practicing your instrument and possibly working with a music instructor.
Complete necessary paperwork and undergo physical examinations.
5. Balancing Military Service and Education
After joining:
Look into online or evening classes that fit around your band commitments.
Utilize resources like the GI Bill after completing your service to fund further education if needed.
6. Pathway to Becoming a Band Director
To become a band director after obtaining your degree:
Complete your bachelor’s degree in music education or performance.
Gain experience through internships or teaching assistantships during college.
Obtain necessary certifications or licensure required by your state for teaching music in schools.
By following these steps, you can effectively join a military marching band while pursuing your goal of becoming a band director.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
U.S. Army Field Band Website
This source provides detailed information about audition requirements, types of ensembles available, and insights into life as an Army musician.
Military.com - Musician Opportunities in the Military
This site outlines various opportunities available for musicians across different branches of the military, including benefits related to education.
National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
NAfME offers resources on music education pathways, including information on certification processes for becoming a music educator or band director.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|==============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN=============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Joining the Military Marching Band While Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Music
To join a military marching band while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music, you will need to navigate both the recruitment process for the military and your educational goals. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Research Military Branches with Bands
Each branch of the U.S. military has its own bands, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Each band has different requirements and opportunities:
Army Bands: The U.S. Army Field Band is one of the most well-known.
Navy Bands: The U.S. Navy Band performs at various events and ceremonies.
Air Force Bands: The United States Air Force Band offers multiple ensembles.
Marine Corps Bands: The “President’s Own” is famous for its performances.
Coast Guard Bands: Smaller but still significant in community outreach.
2. Understand Recruitment Requirements
To join any military band, you typically need to meet certain criteria:
Age Requirements: Generally between 17 and 34 years old.
Musical Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency on your instrument through an audition process.
Physical Fitness: You must pass a physical examination as part of the enlistment process.
3. Consider Educational Programs
Many military musicians can pursue education while serving:
Tuition Assistance Programs: The military offers tuition assistance for active-duty members which can cover college courses taken during service.
Flexible Scheduling: Some bands may allow flexible schedules that enable you to attend classes.
4. Enlistment Process
Once you have chosen a branch:
Visit a recruiter who specializes in music programs.
Prepare for auditions by practicing your instrument and possibly working with a music instructor.
Complete necessary paperwork and undergo physical examinations.
5. Balancing Military Service and Education
After joining:
Look into online or evening classes that fit around your band commitments.
Utilize resources like the GI Bill after completing your service to fund further education if needed.
6. Pathway to Becoming a Band Director
To become a band director after obtaining your degree:
Complete your bachelor’s degree in music education or performance.
Gain experience through internships or teaching assistantships during college.
Obtain necessary certifications or licensure required by your state for teaching music in schools.
By following these steps, you can effectively join a military marching band while pursuing your goal of becoming a band director.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
U.S. Army Field Band Website
This source provides detailed information about audition requirements, types of ensembles available, and insights into life as an Army musician.
Military.com - Musician Opportunities in the Military
This site outlines various opportunities available for musicians across different branches of the military, including benefits related to education.
National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
NAfME offers resources on music education pathways, including information on certification processes for becoming a music educator or band director.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|==============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN=============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯