Military Band Instruments by Branch
Every branch of the U.S. military has professional bands that need skilled musicians. Here is what each branch is looking for.
2 military music positions currently listed on Cadenza
U.S. Army Bands
The Army has the most bands (~100) across Active, Reserve, and National Guard. Includes "Pershing's Own" (The U.S. Army Band) and The U.S. Army Field Band.
U.S. Navy Bands
The Navy has regional bands in Washington D.C., Norfolk, Great Lakes, San Diego, Naples, and Japan. The U.S. Navy Band is based in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Marine Corps Bands
"The President's Own" United States Marine Band is the premier ensemble. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps is a separate, elite unit. Marines generally do not have vocalists.
U.S. Air Force Bands
The USAF Band, based at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, is the premier Air Force ensemble. Regional bands are stationed at bases worldwide.
U.S. Coast Guard Band
The Coast Guard has one premier band based in New London, Connecticut. It is the only military band that is entirely comprised of active-duty enlisted personnel.
Most In-Demand Instruments
While all branches need a full complement of instruments, these are consistently the hardest positions to fill:
Oboe
Low supply of qualified players
Bassoon
Specialized and hard to recruit
Horn
High demand across all branches
Euphonium
Key to military band sound
Tuba
Essential in ceremonial units
Vocalist
Crossover pop/jazz skills needed
See current openings for your instrument
Browse military band positions filtered by your instrument.