United States Navy Band
Cruisers Popular Music Group
Keyboard Vacancy
February 10, 2025
The United States Navy Band announces an immediate vacancy for Keyboard Instrumentalist in the
Cruisers Popular Music Group. Successful candidates for this vacancy will demonstrate superior
versatility, a high level of sight-reading ability, and proficiency in multiple styles including modern
pop, funk, R&B, salsa, jazz, and rock. A live audition will take place Monday, February 10, 2025, in
Washington, D.C. To qualify for the live audition, candidates must submit an online application and a
preliminary recording for pre-screening no later than Monday, January 13, 2025.
Located on the historic Washington Navy Yard, the U.S. Navy’s premier popular music group is in
constant demand, performing regularly for the President, Vice President, and numerous congressional,
military, and foreign dignitaries. With unmatched versatility, this elite ensemble has engaged and
excited audiences of all ages throughout the U.S. and abroad with world-class musicianship and highenergy, fun-filled performances. In addition to a yearly national tour and concerts in the Washington,
D.C. area, the Cruisers are frequently featured at the White House, U.S. Capitol, and important national
events.
Starting salary for a new member of the U.S. Navy Band is $76,018 - $83,470.
Other benefits include:
• Student loan repayment up to $65,000
• Full medical coverage for members and their dependents
• Education benefits including tuition assistance and G.I. Bill
• Blended pension and partial 401(k) match retirement plan
• 30 days paid vacation annually
Those selected for positions in the U.S. Navy Band are advanced to the paygrade of E-6 (Musician 1st
Class) following recruit training, under a contract for permanent assignment to the U.S. Navy Band,
Washington, D.C.
All applicants must be aged 18 to 41 and otherwise qualified for service in the U.S. Navy. Please note
that the Navy has strict requirements with regard to medical readiness and physical appearance. Learn
more here: https://www.navy.com/joining/requirements
Application Instructions
To register for this audition:
(1) Fill out the U.S. Navy Band Audition Application
(2) You will receive instructions for submitting a preliminary screening recording from a Navy
Band auditions manager within two business days of submitting your online application. Do
not submit recordings prior to receiving these instructions. Audio recordings are due by
January 13, 2025. Candidates will be contacted with results no later than January 17, 2025.
Reply to all correspondence in a timely manner.
U.S. Navy Band Cruisers Keyboard Audition February 2025
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DISCLAIMER
Use of these .pdf files is strictly for U.S. Navy Band auditions only. Any other use is not authorized or implied by the U.S. Navy Band.
The user assumes responsibility for obtaining appropriate licenses in conjunction with any further use of copyrighted works.
REQUIREMENTS FOR CURRENT MILITARY MEMBERS:
(1) U.S. Navy personnel must route a NAVPERS 1306/92, completing sections A, D1, D2, with
command endorsement. The member’s chain of command will forward the request to Director,
Fleet Band Activities via the MU Enlisted Detailer. Requests from non-MU Sailors will be
forwarded to the appropriate rating detailer and the USNB Audition Director.
(2) All other active duty military must submit a Letter of Endorsement LOE from your OIC to
usnbauditions@us.navy.mil.
Preliminary Screening Recording Requirements
All candidates will submit an audio recording (.mp3 format preferred) for preliminary screening by
the audition panel. No editing of audio is permitted other than to trim to length and each selection
should be no longer than three minutes in length. Prepare three selections based on the following
guidelines:
(1) One modern pop selection performed on synthesizer, demonstrating comping ability AND
including an improvised solo.
Notable reference artists include Dua Lipa, Chappell Roan, Justin Bieber, Anomalie,
Knower, Breakbot, and Dirty Loops.
(2) One funk selection on organ, clav, or vintage electric piano (e.g. Wurlitzer or Rhodes), or any
combination of these instruments, demonstrating comping ability AND including an improvised
solo.
Notable reference artists include Soulive, Electro Deluxe, Vulfpeck, and Con Funk Shun.
(3) One salsa selection on piano that demonstrates the ability to play a montuno.
Notable reference artists include Luis Enrique, Tony Succar, Issac Delgado, and Buena Vista
Social Club.
Notes for Candidates
• Choose repertoire that maintains the integrity of each chosen musical style while highlighting
individual strengths and abilities. The Cruisers mission requires versatility in many different
genres and musical contexts.
• Applicants may submit original material that displays virtuosity in these styles.
• When submitting an existing song, do not feel constrained to any particular recording.
Chosen selections should show off technical prowess within that specific genre.
• Selections may be performed with a live band OR a backing track. Previously recorded
performances are acceptable and should be trimmed to short clips that feature the applicant.
• Reference recordings of the Cruisers can be found here.
For more information about Navy Band auditions, email usnbauditions@us.navy.mil or contact the
Auditions Director, MUCS Travis Siehndel, at 202-433-2840