Piano

Preliminary recordings due: Oct 5th, 2026

Live round: January 25th, 2027

Applicants invited to live round will receive paid airfare, lodging, and food stipend provided by U.S. Army (pending approval for military service)

Salary and benefits
- Annual salary $79,209-$90,621 upon promotion to Staff Sergeant (accelerated promotion via Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program)
- Full military benefits (medical/dental/retirement plans)
- 30 days paid vacation yearly
- Post 9/11 GI Bill and Tuition Assistance
- Stabilized duty assignment at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York

Application packets
Audition packets must include a resume with date of birth, cover letter, and high-quality audio recordings no more than six months old with the following music in this order (separate files for each excerpt preferred):

SOLO:
1. First movement of any Beethoven Sonata
2. Contrasting work from romantic period

CONCERT BAND PIANO:
1. Bernstein - Symphonic Dances from West Side Story – m. 400 – 453; 792 - 812
2. John Williams – The Cowboys Overture – Pickup to m. 16 – 31
3. Respighi – Pines of Rome – Movement I – Beginning to 11 bars after rehearsal 2; Movement III
4. A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square
5. New York, New York

Live round excerpts will be sent to selected candidates via email.

Your resume should include education, performance/work/teaching experience, and references.

Your cover letter should augment your resume, describing what additional skills you bring to the position beyond playing piano. This might include skills in arts administration, arranging, audio mixing/engineering, other instrument/vocal proficiencies, marketing, computer skills (graphics/video editing/Microsoft Office/other), etc.

Job description
The West Point Band is a U.S. Army premier band whose main duty is to perform for local, national, and international audiences in support of the West Point community, the U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Army.

Play piano with the West Point Band’s concert band. Play background music for receptions, dinners and events. Play with chamber ensembles that range in musical genre.

Secondary duties related to the day-to-day functioning of the West Point Band will be assigned based on experience, knowledge, interest, and/or needs of the unit.

Questions about this job listing or music list should be directed to MSG Yalin Chi, Principal Piano: yalin.chi@westpoint.edu

Qualifications
Professional performance level; Bachelor of Music degree or higher preferred (not required). Ability to meet Army initial entry requirements and maintain a professional appearance. Must be a U.S. citizen or other qualified resident. Position requires at least a four-year service contract; candidate will be informed of acceptance prior to enlistment.

Upon accepting employment with the West Point Band, the hired candidate will be required to complete Army Basic Training.

Military personnel
Military personnel must also submit their Soldier Talent Profile (or equivalent) without photo, three years of performance evaluation reports, and a Commander’s Intent to Release memo.

Electronic submission
The application submission period will be 1 September 2026 through 5 October 2026. Please check back during that period for the submission process. Contact bandauditions@westpoint.edu with any questions.