Rudimental Drummer in “The Hellcats”
- Annual salary $79,209-$90,621 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 and Tuition Assistance
- Stabilized duty assignment at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York
Audition packets must include a resume with date of birth, cover letter, and high-quality audio and video recordings no more than six months old with the following music in this order (separate files for each excerpt preferred):
I. Snare Drum Repertoire (Rope-tensioned snare drum is NOT required)
- Rudiments: double stroke roll, paradiddle, flam tap, ratamacue (standard open-closed-open breakdown, one minute each – 30 second accel./30 second rit.)
- Drum Corps on Parade, Pratt/with Prosperie dynamic interpretations (tempo – 120 bpm; music provided on website)
- 2/4 Solo, Cormier (tempo – 104-112 bpm; music provided on website)
- Flamnambulous, Stevens (tempo – 108-116 bpm; Lines 1-7 only, performed straight through with no stops; music provided on website)
- Bridging the Gap excerpt, Prosperie (tempo – 120 bpm; music provided on website)
- Rudimental/marching snare solo of your choice
II. Additional Repertoire
- Keyboard percussion solo of your choice (one minute minimum, four minute maximum; two- or four-mallet)
- Optional: Any other piece displaying unique musical talent (can be performed on any instrument or voice)
Recording requirements:
- ALL repertoire must be recorded on both audio and video. These can be recorded at the same time or separately. Candidates may use audio from video recordings that are separated out to audio files. Recordings must not be more than six months old at time of application.
- Audio recordings – Audio recordings must be clear and unedited. DO NOT put any identifying information in the audio recording (i.e. name, etc.). All audio recordings will be evaluated anonymously.
- After audio recording evaluations, a selection of candidates will be chosen to consider for advancement to the final round.
- The video recordings of only those candidates selected for possible advancement will be evaluated to visually assess drumming technique.
- Video recordings – Candidates will create a private YouTube link for their videos and submit that link with other required written materials. All recordings must show the candidate in clear view from top of the head to approximately the knees when playing snare drum. The candidate must be facing the camera and not at an angle or side/profile view. It is recommended that lighting is adequate for good visual clarity and the candidate does not stand in front of windows or other bright light sources that will obscure the camera or view. Only those selected for possible advancement to the live round will be evaluated on video.
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 percussion/music. 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.
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. The Band’s Field Music Group, “The Hellcats,” is the primary direct support performance element to the US Corps of Cadets at the US Military Academy. Musicians in this element perform daily duties featuring traditional field music on bugles, piccolos, and rope-tensioned snare and bass drums. They also perform official military funerals and various other ceremonial duties at West Point and in the surrounding area. Additionally, “The Hellcats” are frequently featured performers for international military tattoos, national and international media, professional conferences, and other high-profile performance stages. 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. Questions about this job listing or music list should be directed to bandauditions@westpoint.edu.
Professional performance level; Bachelor of Music degree or higher preferred (not required). Ability to meet Army initial entry requirements and maintain a professional appearance. The hired candidate will be required to march in ceremonial formations and stand for prolonged periods of time while carrying an instrument. 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) without photo, three years of performance evaluation reports, and a Commander’s Intent to Release memo.
- Submit your application by filling out the form below and uploading the necessary documents and/or files.
- Only high-quality sound and video recordings will be accepted and evaluated.
- Separating files for each excerpt is permitted and preferred. DO NOT include any identifying information in the audio recordings (name, etc.)
- 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
- Submit your application by filling out the form below 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