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Army MOS 42S Army Special Band Person

Music plays an important role in the Army. Members of Army Bands are involved in the rich tradition of performing at Army ceremonies, parades, concerts, festivals, dances and many other events. Musicians perform in a variety of ensembles ranging from ceremonial bands to jazz bands to small ensembles, playing all styles of music.

The Special Band Member is an integral part of the Army music team, performing as a musician or serving in direct support of the mission of the U.S. Army Band, U.S. Army Field Band, U.S. Military Academy Band or the 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps. Some of your duties as a Special Band Member may include:

Play in or lead bands, orchestras, combos and jazz groups
Perform in military and civilian ceremonies, street parades, concerts, festivals and dances
Rehearse and learn new music when not performing
Perform all applicable styles of music
Transpose music by sight as required
Perform maintenance on instrument
Supervise and perform organizational maintenance of equipment
Perform as an administrative, supply, operations or training Sergeant
Participate in security duties during heightened combat intensity as required

Requirements
In order to qualify for a position with the Army Band, you must pass one or more auditions. You must be an accomplished musician and have good music sight-reading ability.

Training
Job training for a Special Band Member requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you’ll learn basic Soldiering skills. Although Special Band Members do not attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT), they will have continuous training to maintain their instrumental proficiency.

Advanced Responsibilities
Advanced level Special Band Members provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline.
As an advanced level Special Band Member, you may be involved in:

Perform as solo instrumentalists or vocalist
NCO in an instrumental group
Band support technician
Administrative and supply support
Library support
Senior vocalist music annotator/commentator

Related Civilian Jobs
The skills and playing experience you’ll gain as a Special Band Member will prepare you for a future with professional orchestras, bands and choral groups. You might also work in nightclubs, concert halls, theaters and recording studios.

Related Army Positions
Combat Documentation / Production Specialist (25V)
Civil Affairs Specialist (38B)
Visual Information Equipment Operator-Maintainer (25R)

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