Second Bassoon

Preliminary Recordings due: Nov 30, 2026
Electronic submission must be received by: 11:59 PM EST*
Live Round: Mar 22, 2027
Applicants invited to the live round will receive paid travel, lodging, and food stipend provided by U.S. Army (pending approval for military service).

Salary & Benefits:
Annual salary $83,617-$95,965 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 & 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 only recordings no more than six months old with the following music in this order (separate files for each excerpt preferred):

1. Mozart, Bassoon Concerto K. 191, mvt. 1 exposition, without accompaniment

Second bassoon:

2. Mozart, Overture to the Marriage of Figaro, measures 139-171

3. Brahms, Violin Concerto, mvt. 2, measures 1-32

First bassoon:

4. Tchaikovsky, Symphony no. 4, mvt. 2, measures 274-end

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 bassoon. 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.

Your completed application can be submitted via the form at the bottom of this page.

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 second bassoon with the West Point Band’s concert band; play first bassoon as needed.

Perform on a secondary instrument in the marching band (training provided).

Play with woodwind quintet and other 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.

Qualifications:
Professional performance level; Bachelor of Music degree or higher preferred (not required). Ability to meet Army initialentry requirements and maintain a professional appearance. The hired candidate will be required to march in ceremonial formations and stand for prolonged periods of time. 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 Record Brief (or equivalent), photo, three years of performance evaluation reports, and a Commander’s Intent to Release memo.
Electronic Submission (preferred) Submit your application by filling out the form on https://band.westpoint.edu/audition/second-bassoon/ and uploading the necessary documents and/or files.
Only high-quality audio recordings will be accepted and evaluated.
Separating files for each excerpt is permitted and preferred.
Upon submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email sent to the email you have provided.
If you encounter any issues submitting your application, please email bandauditions@westpoint.edu

If you have any questions about the position, please contact SFC B