MusicAuditions

Bugle Musician
Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
Materials Due By:
April 30, 2025

The Bugle Group performs on specially designed top action rotary valve trumpets in ceremonies, parades, and concerts. In addition to performing with the Corps, buglers provide support for military funerals.
About the Bugle
Bugle Musicians perform on uniquely designed instruments that bridge the gap between the first Army bugles and the modern day trumpet. The Corps' instrument is modeled after E.G. Wright's 1869 Cornet(Boston), but using all trumpet parts. The instrument incorporates three rotary valves allowing the musicians to perform not only signal calls but to play in multiple keys, serving an integral role in the Corps' arranged music for shows and parades.
Although the earliest Continental musicians used trumpets, the Bugle gained popularity through the turn of the 19th century. By the war of 1812 bugles were in use by the American Army and, like fifes and drums, were used as signal instruments. The bugle of the time contained no valves, which limited available notes to the natural overtone series.
Benefits
Compensation
Annual starting salary of $80,000 to $86,000
Healthcare
Full medical and dental coverage
Paid Leave
30 days paid vacation annually
Retirement
The Blended Retirement System allows you to immediately begin contributing to a retirement account, in addition to being eligible for a pension after 20 years of active duty service.
Education
Earn full tuition for higher education through the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Also, tuition assistance is available for continuing education.
Military Rank
Members of The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps are given the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 42S (forty-two sierra), “Special Band Musician.” Personnel are promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) shortly after completion of Basic Combat Training.
Location
Permanent duty assignment to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.