INFORMATION
The United States Naval Academy Band, “The Navy’s Oldest and Finest,” has been providing music for
the Brigade of Midshipmen and surrounding community since 1852. Located at the U.S. Naval Academy
in beautiful Annapolis, Maryland, the band is comprised of professional musicians, who have studied at
some of the best music schools and conservatories in the world. The United States Naval Academy Band
is one of the Navy’s two premiere bands and is a preferentially staffed ensemble. Members of this
premier military band are selected by competitive live audition from among the very best musicians in the
country. Selection for assignment to the USNA Band is determined from among candidates who apply
for announced vacancies. In order to audition it is required that you be a U.S. citizen aged 18 to 34, pass
the Armed Forces Entrance Physical and be otherwise qualified for service in the U.S. Navy. Current
military members and some veterans may be exempt from the age requirement. To learn more about the
band, current members, and ensembles, please visit the band’s website at www.usna.edu/USNAband
BENEFITS
What is the pay?
Basic Pay
After completion of recruit training and upon arrival at the United States Naval Academy Band, members
are advanced to the rank of Musician First Class (E-6 pay grade) and earn $2,281.20 per month in basic
military pay. Pay may increase with subsequent advancements and annual pay raises to reflect the
increase in cost-of-living. In addition to basic pay, the Navy offers non-taxable housing and food
allowances to help cover living expenses.
Basic Allowance for Housing
For members who live off-base, an allowance is provided to defray the cost of housing in the Annapolis
area. This allowance is based on rank and whether or not you are providing support for dependents
(spouse and/or children living with the member). The current Basic Allowance for Housing for E-6
members stationed in Annapolis, MD is $1,668.00 for members without dependents (spouse or children),
and $2,058.00 for members with dependents.
Basic Allowance for Substinence
The U.S. Navy provides a food allowance of $325.04 per month.
Total Pay
With basic pay, the housing, and food allowances, a musician first class with dependents and living offbase will start at $60,509.93 annually, of which $28,596.48 is tax-free. A musician first class without
dependents and living off base will earn $57,046.29 annually, of which $23,916.48 is tax-free.
Temporary Duty (TDY) Expenses
When traveling for job-related reasons away from your home base, members receive additional tax-free
money to cover meals, lodging, and other incidental expenses.
Uniform Allowance
Members receive an annual tax-free clothing allowance to replace uniform items.
Are health care and life insurance available?
All members of the U.S. Armed Forces are automatically enrolled in TRICARE - the Department of
Defense's health care program for active duty personnel, retirees, and their families. Through TRICARE,
members receive FREE, comprehensive medical and dental care as needed at one of the Washington,
D.C. area military treatment facilities or civilian TRICARE providers. Family members may also be
enrolled in TRICARE and receive medical care at military or civilian facilities through various options
for little or no cost. Inexpensive dental care programs may be purchased for family members. U.S. Navy
members may participate in the Service Members' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program at very
reasonable rates. For example, for only $29 per month, members may purchase life insurance coverage of
$400,000.
Is there a pension or retirement program?
The U.S. Navy provides a pension for its members who serve for at least 20 years. After serving 20
years, members will receive 50% percent of their basic pay in retirement compensation. This amount
increases each year by 2.5%, and after 30 years of service, members will receive 75% of their basic pay in
retirement compensation. Retirement income is adjusted each year to compensate for increases in the cost
of living. Please note that in order to serve for more than 20 years, advancements to higher ranks are
required
What about vacation time and sick leave?
Active-duty members of the U.S. Navy earn 30 days of leave (vacation) each year. Members of
performing ensembles usually take their leave at the same time during a designated "blanket leave"
period. Requests for leave outside of the blanket leave period are considered on a case-by-case basis and
may be approved depending on the performing/rehearsal schedule and mission needs of each ensemble.
Special consideration is given to emergency situations and significant family events. Members are not
charged leave for sick days, and with doctor authorization members receive as many days as necessary to
return to full health.
Are funds available for continuing education?
The U.S. Navy offers 100% tuition reimbursement for those working on an associate's, bachelor's,
master's or doctorate degree. There are many excellent schools in the area. Most members are eligible to
participate in the Veterans Administration's GI Bill program. For more information about the GI bill, go
to www.gibill.va.gov.
Can I shop at the base commissary and exchange?
Members and their families are permitted to shop at military commissaries (grocery stores), base
exchanges (department stores) and service stations. These facilities offer tax-free shopping and a savings
of about 30% over similar off-base stores.
QUALIFICATIONS
Do I need a college degree?
Although most members of the USNA Band have earned undergraduate degrees, a college degree is not
required to become a member. Candidates are offered positions solely on the basis of successful
auditions and interviews.
Are there physical requirements?
To be considered for a position with the USNA Band, candidates must not have medical conditions that
would prevent them from enlisting in the United States Navy. Candidates must also be between the ages
of 17 and 34.
Members of the U.S. Navy are required to maintain high standards of personal appearance, adherence to
height/weight requirements (see last page) and physical fitness. All Sailors are required to pass biannual
physical fitness evaluations and are subject to random drug urinalysis testing at any time. Please consider
these requirements before making potentially expensive travel arrangements and accepting an invitation
to audition.
JOINING THE NAVY
Where do I start?
When you accept a position with the United States Naval Academy Band, you will be given an
application for the Navy Music Program, allowing you to begin the enlistment process and join the U.S.
Navy. Your local recruiter will guide you through each step of the enlistment process. You must take
and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (a skills assessment test) and complete a
physical exam. The enlistment process is completed at your local Military Entrance Processing Station
(MEPS) where you will sign an enlistment contract. After enlisting, you will go directly to Great Lakes,
Ill. to complete Recruit Training.
What is Basic Training like and how long is it?
Recruit Training is an eight week course at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. While attending
recruit training, you'll learn standard military drill and ceremonies, U.S. Navy history, customs and
courtesies, and will participate in daily physical fitness exercises. Musicians, who are usually well
educated and self-disciplined, tend to do well during recruit training.
After Recruit Training, what happens?
When you graduate from Recruit Training, you will be immediately assigned to the United States Naval
Academy Band. You will be given a specific number of travel days to move from your home of record to
the Annapolis area.
The Navy will move your household goods up to 11,000 pounds if you have dependents and 8,000
pounds if you do not have dependents. If necessary, the Navy will store your household goods until you
find permanent housing. If you decide to move yourself, you will be reimbursed for some of the moving
and storage expenses.
PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Where does the Band perform?
At the Naval Academy, the USNA Band performs for dress parades, athletic events, and other traditional
events. In the community, the band presents concerts, provides music for civic events, and presents
instructional clinics and performances for K-12 and university students. The band also plays for military
ceremonies and funerals throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
In recent years, the band has supported the Naval Academy Admissions Department, touring throughout
the country and performing at admissions forums and high schools. These events have greatly
contributed to diversity initiatives and an overall increase in the number of applications to the Naval
Academy.
Are there other performance opportunities?
If you wish, you may participate as a civilian in the Annapolis, Baltimore and Washington D.C. area's
active and vibrant performing arts community or give private lessons to music students. However, if a
scheduling conflict should arise, your USNA Band commitments must be met first.
Are instruments and equipment provided?
The Navy will supply you with professional-caliber musical instruments as well as the musical supplies
you need to accomplish your musical duties.
What will my duty schedule be like?
Each unit of the USNA Band is unique in its scheduling and has different rehearsal/performance
requirements that change on a weekly basis according to the mission. A typical non-performance day
consists of rehearsals or administrative duties.
As military bands are a traditional part of American patriotic celebrations, you should expect to work on
major holidays such as Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day.
Will I have any non-musical duties?
As part of a self-contained organization, USNA Band members perform a variety of non-musical duties to
ensure efficient daily operations. These duties may range from performing simple clerical work to
coordinating and managing the activities of an entire unit.
New members of the Band are assigned to a working party and will assist with the transporting, setting up
and tearing down of the equipment for performances. In addition to working party, members may
volunteer to work in one of the following areas:
Public Affairs (publicity and web site development and maintenance)
Career Development (career counseling, training, auditions)
Equipment Supply (procurement and inventory)
Information Systems (application development, network administration, software/hardware maintenance)
Vehicles (coordinating/maintaining band vehicles)
Will I ever be assigned to another band or career field?
An assignment to the United States Naval Academy Band is a permanent duty assignment. This means
you will remain a member of the Band for your entire enlistment. However, members may request a
transfer to another U.S. Navy band or retrain into a different career field. These requests are considered
on a case-by-case basis.
Is the United States Naval Academy Band a full-time job?
Working as a musician in the USNA Band is a full-time profession, not a side activity. You will be an
active duty member of the United States Navy. In wartime or peacetime, your primary duty is to perform
as a musician.