MILLINGTON, Tenn. – The Navy offers a wide variety of career opportunities. In order to join, an individual must link up with a Navy recruiter to learn what’s required and how to apply. Some jobs require a little extra attention than others because of the unique requirements involved, such as Navy divers, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) or Navy musician (MU)!
In order to become a Navy musician, individuals must audition for the Navy Music Program (NMP), which is a rigorous process. If selected, the member then completes the enlistment process.
Following Boot Camp, the member attends the Navy’s 21-week music school, or better known as Navy Music “A” School, located in Little Creek, Va. Upon graduation sailors are then selected and placed into one of 11 active duty fleet bands located throughout the country and overseas in Italy, Japan, and Hawaii. Each band is responsible for providing entertainment and ceremonial music across a specific geographic area of responsibility. (Figure 1)
According to Musician Chief Petty Officer Julie M. Peters, the Navy’s music program coordinator for Navy Personnel Command (NPC), one thing to keep in mind when seeking an audition to become a musician is communication.
“Recruiters and applicants are encouraged to contact me directly,” said Peters.
The Navy’s Music Program is comprised of vocalists/entertainers, instruments from a traditional band setting (Table 1), and rhythm players.
Table 1 - List of Navy Music Program audition options:
Flute/Piccolo
Trumpet
Guitar
Oboe
French Horn
Percussion
Clarinet
Euphonium Keyboard
Bassoon
Trombone
Electric Bass
Saxophone
Tuba
Vocalist/Entertainer
When a prospective music applicant calls or comes into a recruiting station, recruiters should ask a few basic questions to get a better idea of their musical qualifications such as, “how old are you?”, “what instrument do you play?”, and “what is your musical background?” to name a few. These are questions the audition coordinator would ask during the initial contact from an applicant, said Peters.
The vast majority of Navy musicians have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher in music before auditioning. This is important for young musicians and high school graduates to know so they are fully aware of the level of talent they are up against. It is recommended for individuals looking into the music program to have had private lesson instruction or all-state band experience when considering an audition.
As a recruiter, one potential red flag to keep in mind is if an individual claims to be an expert on multiple instruments, or “jack of all trades.” Although there may be a few who excel, The Navy music program only accepts applicants who show an upper-advanced skill set on their (primary) instrument, said Peters.
“We want someone to be very good on one instrument,” said Peters.
Applicants are encouraged to contact audition supervisors directly, as musicians can speak the language of other musicians to ensure expectations are managed and the applicant is a good fit, said Peters.
Before setting up an audition, recruiters should blueprint the applicant in order to screen for enlistment eligibility, but further processing is not required until after a successful audition.
Once the applicant has spoken with the audition coordinator they will be given contact information for the audition supervisor at the Navy Band nearest to them so they can schedule a live audition (Figure 1). All auditions are performed live, on site.
Audition requirements specific to each instrument can be found on the job opportunities page of the Navy music webpage (referenced below). However, auditions generally require a prepared solo from the instrument’s standard repertoire, scales, and sight-reading excerpts.
Requirements for vocalists/entertainers and rhythm players are more involved due to the nature of the job requirements.
Currently the Navy Music Program is in need of qualified vocalist/entertainers and keyboardists. Individuals with qualifications required generally have experience as a live, out-in-town performer. Vocalists and all rhythm players must be able to demonstrate proficiency in a variety of musical genres, said Peters.
“We’re looking for those who are gigging out in town,” said Peters. “It’s hard for us to find those guys.”
Applicants generally provide their own transportation to the audition site, but recruiters are encouraged to check with audition supervisors and their chain of command about funding, said Peters.
After the audition is complete, the evaluations are sent to the NMP in Millington, Tenn., where the results are reviewed and a decision is made. The audition results are emailed or faxed to the recruiter listed in the applicant’s audition packet within two to five days.
If the audition is successful, the email will include an MU guarantee letter signed by head, Navy Music Program along with a sample NAVCRUIT 1133/52 (Enlistment Guarantee Form).
The MU guarantee letter will contain the enlistment guarantees and pay grade authorizations. The recruiter can then begin processing the future sailor, including all paperwork, documents, and MEPS processing, said Peters.
“If it’s a yes, I’ll call the recruiter directly [to say], ‘he’s qualified, let’s get him started with the process,’” said Peters.
For recruiters who may be looking for MU leads, some of the best areas to canvas are local colleges with music departments. Music departments are generally open to recruiters speaking at weekly instrumental studio workshops or specific occupational related courses as long as there is communication and advance notice.
Because MU applicants come around so infrequently, many recruiters are unsure of the process or where to start.
“I would have to say it was quite difficult. Only because of my naive knowledge of the program at first,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class Brian Carelock, leading petty officer of Navy Recruiting Station Anderson. But once he started the process, Carelock learned a lot.
Recruiting for the Navy Music Program is unique and challenging for recruiters who have never been through the process before; however, if they arm themselves with the information and tools needed, the applicant can make a sound decision, and ultimately provide the opportunity for a rewarding experience and career in the Navy, said Carelock.
The Navy also has two premier bands; The United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., and the United States Naval Academy Band in Annapolis, Md. Unlike the fleet band auditions, the auditions for these groups are only held when vacancies are posted. Premier band vacancies generally attract some of the most skilled musicians in the country.
For more information about how to become a Navy Musician, visit www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/navymusic or contact the Navy Music Program Audition Coordinator directly by phone at 901-874-4316 or email: mill_navymusic@navy.mil.
Specific information for recruiters can also be found here: http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/navymusic/pages/infoforrecruiters.aspx
Look for our next “recruiting” series articles on Navy Challenge programs and more at www.cnrc.navy.mil.