2024 Bass Audition
2024 Bass Audition
2024 Bass Audition
Do you have prior U. S. Military service? □ Yes □ No If so, how long did you serve? Years: Months:
MILITARY
Are you now on active duty or reserve status? □ Yes □ No When does your contract end?
Please list your current rank, unit and duty station:
Name: Name:
REFERENCES
Phone: Phone:
E-mail: E-mail:
Please return this completed application and your current résumé by one of the following methods (in order of preference):
NOTE: Items submitted through the U. S. Mail are not delivered in a timely manner as they are diverted to an off-site security screening center
before being forwarded to our facility. This process may cause a significant delay in the delivery of your materials.
Your name will be added to the audition list upon receipt of your application materials, and you will receive an e-mail confirming your appearance
at the audition. If you are unable to attend or have further questions, please call (202) 433-5714 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
eastern time on weekdays. In the event of severe weather or other events that could impact the audition, please refer to your e-mail or the U. S.
Marine Band’s website for updates.
2. Principal Purposes. The information that will be requested from you in the selection process and personal interview is intended to provide a basis on which to evaluate your suitability to hold a position with the United
States Marine Band.
3. Routine Uses. In addition to being used by U.S. Marine Band staff in the audition and evaluation process, pertinent information will be provided to other government activities in a preliminary screening to determine
your ability to obtain a security clearance granting Category III White House Access, which is a requirement for duty with the United States Marine Band.
4. Disclosure of this information is voluntary, but failure to do so could result in the inability of U.S. Marine Band staff to evaluate your suitability for a position in the United States Marine Band and could preclude further
participation in the audition process.
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Reprinted with permission from Boosey & Hawkes Inc. for the United States Marine Band’s Double Bass audition
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Reprinted with permission from Boosey & Hawkes Inc. for the United States Marine Band’s Double Bass audition
Career Information
AUDITIONS authorize enlistment between ages 17 and 28. Age waivers are
Auditions for “The President’s Own” occur only in anticipation normally granted; however, the maximum age for which
of projected vacancies and are announced through the waivers may be granted to those with no prior military service
organizational website, social media, newsletter, and by is 34. In order to successfully enlist in the United States
direct email to college band directors and instrumental music Marine Corps, applicants must also be a U.S. citizen or a
instructors. All auditions take place behind a screen to ensure permanent resident of the United States.
anonymity in John Philip Sousa Band Hall at Marine Barracks
Annex in Washington, D.C., and are conducted much like Applicants must pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude
those of major symphony orchestras. There is no preliminary Battery (ASVAB) and a complete physical examination, which
taped round. includes complying with established height/weight standards
both at the time of enlistment and throughout one’s Marine
Interested applicants should send a current résumé to: Corps career (see height/weight chart on the following page).
Director of Operations, U.S. Marine Band, Marine Barracks,
8th and I Streets, SE, Washington, DC 20390-5000, or fax this The playing part of the audition assesses only the individual’s
information to (202) 433-4752. Applicants must travel to musical qualifications. To be offered a position in “The
Washington at their own expense. President’s Own,” one must also be physically qualified and
capable of being granted the required security clearance.
MUSICAL REQUIREMENTS Selection as a finalist is not a determination that one is
No specific level of education is required, but most members musically qualified for the position. Finalists are those the
hold college degrees, and many hold advanced degrees. The committee wishes to hear again in order to make a more
playing ability and expertise required are equivalent to those of complete assessment of their abilities.
any major professional musical organization.
Finalists are interviewed at the time of the audition in an
The broad range of commitments by “The President’s Own” effort to identify any potential problems that could affect the
requires musical versatility from all band members. Typical individual’s ability to be enlisted for duty with “The President’s
commitments include band concerts, ceremonial events, Own,” either related to health or the security clearance. The
chamber orchestra, educational outreach, small ensemble Privacy Act notice included as part of the Applicant Fact Sheet
performances, touring, and recording sessions. explains that information requested in the selection process
and personal interview will provide a basis on which to
QUALIFICATIONS evaluate the applicant’s suitability to hold a position with “The
Successful completion of an extensive background President’s Own,” and will not be used for any other purpose.
investigation is mandatory in order to obtain a Secret Security While disclosure of this information is voluntary, failure to do
Clearance. This clearance is a requirement for the assignment so could result in the inability of the staff to evaluate the
of the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 5511—Member, applicant’s suitability for a position in “The President’s Own”
United States Marine Band. Due to the length and scope of and could preclude further participation in the audition
the security clearance process, it is initiated following the process. Likewise, disclosure of information during the
member’s enlistment onto active duty. Failure to obtain and interview that is determined to be disqualifying in nature
maintain this security clearance will result in administrative could result in the applicant’s immediate dismissal from the
separation from the U.S. Marine Corps. Current regulations remainder of the audition process.
The criteria for duty with “The President’s Own” are very At the completion of the personal interview and health/
stringent and are established by those outside agencies security screening, if it is determined that health and/or
responsible for granting physical qualification and security background issues could affect an individual’s ability to be
clearances. “The President’s Own” must comply with the enlisted for duty with “The President’s Own,” such matters
criteria and guidance provided by these outside agencies in will be addressed with the respective agencies responsible for
order to assess applicants. While each applicant is different, physical qualification or clearance matters. If these agencies
and each will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the confirm that an applicant is unequivocally disqualified for
following are some issues that could affect the individual’s either physical or security clearance reasons, the Director
ability to be found fully qualified for enlistment with “The reserves the right to eliminate the individual from further
President’s Own”: consideration.
Physical Qualifications: Disqualifying conditions may Once found fully qualified and selected for a position with
include, but are not limited to, failure to meet height/weight “The President’s Own,” applicants receive full medical and
standards at time of enlistment; serious vision and auditory aptitude testing at the Military Entrance Processing Station
problems; hypertension; diabetes; heart defects; seizure; (MEPS) nearest their current residence. This testing is
inflammatory bowel syndrome; loss of an eye or kidney; cancer coordinated by “The President’s Own” in cooperation with
within five years; allergy immunotherapy during the past two local Marine Corps recruiters.
years; and physical limitations due to injury or congenital
conditions. Laser eye surgery is a potential disqualifier for ABOUT THE ENLISTMENT
enlistment. Applicants who have had laser eye surgery should The enlistment process is completed at the applicant’s local
contact MSgt Sara Sheffield, Deputy Director of MEPS. A standard four-year enlistment contract is signed “for
Administration and Production, at (202) 433-3993 or duty with the U.S. Marine Band only.”
[email protected] prior to the audition. When doing so,
have a copy of your contact lens/eyeglass prescription from Marine Band musicians are permanently assigned and may not
before surgery available. be transferred to any other unit or location. Upon enlistment,
new members are appointed to the rank of Staff Sergeant (pay
Clearance Qualifications: Disqualifying conditions may grade E-6) in the U.S. Marine Corps and receive all pay and
include but are not limited to: arrest and/or conviction of benefits commensurate with that grade. They are also subject
a felony; frequent involvement with authorities even as a to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the rules and articles
juvenile; DWI/DUI; having been a patient in an institution of which govern the discipline of the U.S. Armed Forces.
primarily devoted to the treatment of mental, emotional, or
psychological disorders; pattern of financial irresponsibility Following enlistment, new members report directly to
(bankruptcy, debt or credit problems, defaulting on a student Washington, DC, with official travel and shipment of
loan); membership in any organization that advocates the household goods conducted at government expense.
commission of acts of force or violence to deny other persons
their rights under the Constitution of the United States; having RECRUIT TRAINING
petitioned to be declared a conscientious objector to war; Members of “The President’s Own” are not required to
moving violations with fines over $300; illegal drug use (to undergo recruit training. The mission of “The President’s Own”
include any use of cocaine, heroin, LSD, and PCP); and the is “to provide music and perform such other functions as are
illegal purchase, possession, or sale of any such narcotics. directed by the President of the United States and the
Note: Applicants with questions about their specific cases Commandant of the Marine Corps.” Unlike other Marine
should contact MSgt Sara Sheffield, Deputy Director of Corps musical units, “The President’s Own” has no secondary
Administration and Production, at (202) 433-3993 or combat role, and its members are exempt from all such
[email protected] prior to the audition. training. “The President’s Own” musicians report to
Monthly Pay and Allowances for a Staff Sergeant (Pay Grade E-6)
Effective Jan. 1, 2023
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces are paid on the 1st and Pay and Allowances: Without With
15th of each month. Of the total pay and allowances due, Dependents Dependents
only the basic pay is taxable. Monthly deductions on this
chart are estimated based upon average deductions of current Basic Pay $2,980.00 $2,980.00
members. These amounts fluctuate based upon specific state BAH 2,655.00 3,075.00
of residence, marital, and dependent status. In addition, BAS 452.56 452.56
members are paid per diem while traveling on government Total Monthly Gross 6,087.56 6,507.56
business and are entitled to an annual clothing allowance Total Annual Gross 78,090.72
used to defray the costs of uniform purchase and
maintenance.
Glossary:
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) — a sum determined by 239.59 239.59
housing costs in the geographic region in which the mem- 30.00
bers are stationed; this helps defray rent or mortgage costs. 1.00 1.00
BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) — the sum allocated 0.00 11.65
to defray the cost of meals. (Both BAH and BAS are non- 56.03 56.03
taxable income). .50 .50
SGLI (Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance) — a monthly 327.12 338.77
deduction entitling the member to be insured for $500,000.
Spousal coverage is also available. $5,760.44 $6,168.79
DENTAL — there is no cost for a member without $69,125.28 $74,025.48
dependents; members with one dependent pay $11.65
monthly, more than one dependent costs $30.28 monthly. Note: Net pay refers to the amount taken home; gross pay reflects
USN/MC RETIREMENT HOME — a mandatory deduction income prior to deductions.
for all Sailors and Marines
to receive free medical care at selected military facilities. A HOUSING
contributory plan allows dependent dental care to be covered Military housing is limited in the Washington area and should
at a modest cost. Members who retire after 20 years of service not be anticipated. The majority of members live in the
also retain medical benefits through Tricare. Washington metropolitan area, including areas of Maryland
and Virginia. BAH is not paid if a member obtains military
The musicians of “The President’s Own” receive full exchange housing.
and commissary privileges for themselves and their
dependents. Members who retire after 20 years of service also “THE PRESIDENT’S OWN” HISTORY
retain full exchange and commissary privileges. “The President’s Own” has been part of the events that have
shaped our national heritage for more than two centuries. Its
The Washington, DC, area has a wealth of government and omnipresent role in events of national importance has made
military facilities that are available to active duty members it part of the fabric of American life. Established by an Act
and their families. These include swimming pools, tennis and of Congress in 1798, the Marine Band is America’s oldest
racquetball courts, gymnasiums, and golf courses. Marine continuously active professional musical organization. Its
Corps Community Service offers rental of camping and mission is unique—to provide music for the President of the
athletic equipment, etc. at little or no cost. In addition, there United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
are ample opportunities for recreational, cultural, educational,
and historical pursuits throughout the Washington, DC, It is believed that the band performed for the inaugural of
metropolitan area. Thomas Jefferson in 1801, and research suggests it has
performed for every Presidential inaugural since that time. In
LEAVE (VACATION) TIME Jefferson, the band found its most visionary advocate. An
Marines receive 30 days paid leave each year plus some accomplished musician himself, Jefferson recognized the
federal holidays when not on duty. Special liberty may also be unique relationship between the band and the Chief Executive
granted by the Director. All requests for leave are approved and he is credited with giving the Marine Band its title, “The
or disapproved based on the band’s schedule. “The President’s President’s Own.”
Own” has no “blanket leave” periods during which the entire
band is on leave at the same time. To accomplish its mission, Whether performing for South Lawn arrival ceremonies, State
it is necessary for the Marine Band to remain operational 365 Dinners, or receptions, Marine Band musicians appear at the
days a year. White House more than 300 times each year. These
performances range from a solo harpist or chamber orchestra
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE to a dance band or full concert band, making versatility an
When funds are available, Marine Corps tuition assistance important requirement for band members. Additionally,
pays up to 100 percent of tuition, instructional fees, laboratory the band participates in more than 500 public and official
fees, computer fees, and mandatory course enrollment fees performances annually, including concerts and ceremonies
combined, not to exceed $250 per semester hour equivalent throughout the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Each fall,
and $4,500 per individual per fiscal year. Tuition assistance the band travels through a region of the United States during
funds are authorized for vocational-technical, undergraduate, its concert tour, a century-old tradition started by John Philip
graduate, undergraduate developmental, independent study, Sousa, the band’s legendary seventeenth director.
and distance learning programs. Courses must be offered by
institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the United The Marine Band’s integral role in the national culture and in
States Department of Education. the government’s official life has affirmed the importance of
the arts as a bridge between people. Since 1798, “The
In addition to tuition assistance, the Veteran’s Administration President’s Own” has remained the only musical organization
offers educational assistance to all active duty service members whose mission is to provide music for the President of the
in the form of the GI Bill. Two different GI Bill programs United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The
exist: the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post 9/11 GI Bill. These Marine Band continues to celebrate its rich history and
programs offer a range of benefits including the opportunity tradition while also breaking new ground in the organization’s
to transfer educational benefits to spouses and children. Some third century of bringing music to the White House and to the
programs require a contribution from the service member. American people.
Information regarding the GI Bill and other educational
benefits is available from the Veteran’s Administration. There
are a number of colleges and universities in the Washington
area, including Georgetown University, George Mason
University, George Washington University, Catholic University,
the University of Maryland, and the Peabody Conservatory of
Music.
Dear Auditionee:
In addition to “The President’s Own,” there are excellent opportunities for musicians in our ten
Marine Corps field bands. Enjoy the satisfaction of becoming a member of America’s elite
fighting force while serving as a member of a performance ensemble. Celebrate our nation’s
most treasured traditions with others that share your passion for music and service to our country
in an environment that challenges you to live up to your full potential. Positively impact the lives
of appreciative audiences in concert venues, on parade fields, and in professional sports stadiums
around the world.
These bands are stationed at the major commands of the Marine Corps and are located in Hawaii,
southern California, the Carolinas, Virginia, Louisiana, and Okinawa, Japan. Regardless of the
ensemble—ceremonial band, concert band, show band, combo, or chamber ensemble—Marine
musicians enjoy the satisfaction and experience gained through full-time performance with a
professional musical organization in national and international venues. As a Marine musician
you may qualify for an enlistment bonus, a choice of duty station, accelerated promotion to the
rank of sergeant (E-5), and 100% tuition assistance while enrolled in an undergraduate or
graduate degree program.
If you would like to learn more about these rewarding positions, please contact an audition
coordinator by emailing [email protected], by calling the musician recruiting
coordinator at (703) 432-9662 or by visiting the website,
http://www.marines.com/eligibility/musician-enlistment-option-program
Thank you for your interest in Marine Music and for auditioning for this position with “The
President’s Own.”
Sincerely,
Jason K. Fettig
Colonel, USMC
Director, U.S. Marine Band