Bugle Instrumentalist

Applications must be received by March 21, 2012
Audition May 10 & 11, 2012

Job Description

Perform with The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps as a Bugle Instrumentalist. The position requires the exclusive use of a single valve B-flat bugle. In addition to performing with the corps, buglers provide support for military funerals. The Fife and Drum Corps is comprised of 70 musicians whose main duty is the ceremonial support of military functions within the National Capital region. Ceremonial duties are largely conducted outdoors and involve prolonged periods of standing and marching. The typical work schedule varies, but mainly involves daytime work hours with intermittent night or weekend commitments. The total travel time for the Corps may average a few weeks each year.

Requirements

Please submit a current resume that includes the following:

• Height and weight
• Date and place of birth
• Social Security Number
• A recent full-length photograph
• A current list of references (2 professional, 1 personal)

Military applicants:

• Include a copy of your ERB
• A letter of release from your Commander
• Photos for military applicants must be an official military photo (DA Photo or other service comparable)

Also submit a high quality audio CD performed on trumpet consisting of 10 minutes of music including a required piece, which can be found here. The other selections should be of contrasting styles demonstrating your musical proficiency and technical ability.

For additional general audition requirements, please click here.

Send pre-audition packets to:

The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
ATTN: Audition Coordinator
201 Jackson Avenue, BLDG 231
Fort Myer, Virginia 22211-1199

Audition

A select number of candidates will be invited to attend a live audition at Fort Myer. Due to U.S. Army regulations, your local recruiter will arrange to have all travel expenses for the audition paid for by the U.S. Army. [USAREC Reg. 11-1 Appendix B - 2 (d)6 and USAREC Reg. 37-17 Section 3-8 (b)1]

Due to the high visibility and unique requirements of the position, the audition itself will be a two-day process.

The first day will consist of an orientation to the Fife and Drum Corps' mission, observing a ceremony and the first round of the audition. 

The first round of the audition will consist of fundamental instruction in the unit's specific marching and maneuvering techniques and an assessment of candidate’s marching skills/adaptability.  In addition, many of the Fife and Drum Corps' ceremonial missions require standing in formation for extended periods of time. To determine if a candidate is physically capable of this task there will also be a 30-minute standing assessment.

Candidates may be dismissed from the audition based on their performance in the first round assessments.

Day two of the process will consist of the second round of the audition. For this round candidates should expect to perform:

• 2-3 minutes of a prepared solo, preferably from memory
• The memorized selections which will be provided at time of acceptance to the audition
• Sight reading
• Performing with a section
• Personal interview

Questions

For further information regarding bugle auditions for the Fife and Drum Corps please contact:

Staff Sergeant Deanna Hamm, Audition Coordinator
703-696-8521
deanna.m.hamm@us.army.mil