Step One - call our office (817-852-3565) or the Audition Hotline number (1-888-519-9866) to see where openings exist for your musical skill.
Step Two - talk with the audition monitor at the band with an opening to see when they plan to hold auditions.
Step Three - send a performance resume to the band with an opening. The resume is reviewed to assess the your chances of successfully passing a live audition. Part of the screening process may involve a phone interview with the audition monitor to further assess your skills. This also may be done during Step Two. (Note: Some bands may ask for an audio cassette tape demonstrating your performing abilities. Talk with the band's audition monitor to see what they would like you to include on the tape.) If you pass the initial screening then, ...
Step Four - schedule an audition. The band's audition monitor will assist applicants in setting up an audition. For vacancies in our regional bands, candidates may audition at the nearest active duty Air Force band. (Note: Those invited to the audition travel at their own expense.)
Step Five - audition. At a minimum, auditions normally consist of a prepared solo and several etudes, scales (major, minor, and chromatic), and sight-reading. Candidates should prepare several pieces of music in contrasting styles that highlight their technical skills, musicality, and versatility. Often, the auditionee is asked to sit in with performing groups of the band. You're also given the opportunity to ask questions of and talk with band members. See your skill's audition requirements.
Note: for most audition requirements, the auditionee should demonstrate that he/she can do most or all parts of the task. However, the auditioning band commander may waive any proficiency level if the auditionee demonstrates sufficient ability and potential to accomplish the task in a prescribed time.
Step Six - if found musically qualified, the applicant is given an Air Force Form 485 (Application for Enlistment in an Air Force Band). On this form the applicant may indicate a preferred band location for a first assignment in the Air Force, but a valid vacancy or projected vacancy must exist at that location at the time of enlistment for this preference to be honored. The applicant then takes the form to their local Air Force recruiter to begin the process of enlistment. Band members must also be qualified to enlist as a member of the military service by passing written and physical exams for the Air Force.
Step Seven - if found fully qualified, the applicant must complete Air Force Basic Military Training, an initial 8-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. Prospective band members are sent through basic training in the Drum and Bugle Corps flight.
Air Force musicians join the program with at least a four-year commitment. Additional extensions beyond the first four years are offered if the musician remains fully qualified and there are openings for that musician's specialty. |
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Steps to Audition 