Premier Audition Steps

audition steps

Premier Bandsmen Audition Steps
Membership in the premier band is accomplished through a round of competitive auditions, scheduled when vacancies are projected. Openings are advertised on The USAF Band web page, the Air Force Bands Program web page, as well as various music industry trade and technical journals. In addition universities, colleges, and applicable music societies are notified by email.

Step One, send required materials to the band. A committee will review the materials and determine whether an applicant demonstrates the minimal musical skills necessary for membership in the band. .

Step Two, applicants are contacted by their local Air Force Recruiter who sets up an in-person prescreen interview to determine the applicant's eligibility to enlist in the U.S. Air Force.

Step Three, applicants who pass the initial prescreening are invited to a live audition. They are asked to perform various prepared compositions and to demonstrate outstanding ensemble skills and music theory knowledge (Note: Those invited to the audition travel at their own expense.).

Step Four, if found musically qualified, the applicant is given an Air Force Form 485, Application for Enlistment in an Air Force Band. The applicant then takes the form to their local Air Force recruiter to begin the process of enlistment. Applicants must also qualify to enlist as a member of the military service by passing a written skill assessment and a physical exam.

Step Five, if found fully qualified, the applicant must complete Air Force Basic Military Training, an initial 8.5-week course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Musicians, who are usually highly educated and very self-disciplined, tend to do quite well at basic training. Projected band members are sent through basic training in the Drum and Bugle Corps flight. After successful completion of basic training, and then upon signing into the gaining base (Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, DC), the member is promoted to Technical Sergeant (E-6 pay grade).

Have additional questions?
Go to: The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, DC
Or contact at: 1-800-283-8995