The Air Force Band of Liberty is looking for outstanding musicians. Primary duties include performing with a major ensemble, such as the Liberty Pops (plus smaller ensembles i.e. jazz ensemble) or full time in the rock band. Repertoire for formal concerts, recording sessions, and military ceremonies includes standard literature, transcriptions, solo pieces, commissioned works, and special arrangements.

Located at Hanscom Air Force Base, just outside Boston, Massachusetts, this 60-piece band entertains over 500,000 people annually throughout the New England area. The Air Force provides band members with state-of-the-art instruments and accessories.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Air Force Bands
(But Were Afraid To Ask)

So what is it really like to be a musician in a US Air Force Band? How do you join? Will you have to go to boot camp? Will you play anything besides marches? Will you have to guard airplanes on the side? Keep reading and hopefully you’ll find the answers to all your questions and clear up some common misconceptions about our profession.

There’s (Musical) Life Outside Washington, D.C.

Many people believe there is only one Air Force Band, the US Air Force Band in Washington D.C. While the D.C. band is the official Air Force band and one of our two premier bands, it is only part of the entire Air Force band program. The majority of Air Force musicians are found in 12 Regional Bands, eight located in the continental United States and four overseas. While there are some differences between D.C. and the Regional Bands, the job in any Air Force band is essentially the same - traveling and performing, along with some administrative work. Performing opportunities can vary slightly from one band to another. Styles range from classical to jazz and country-western to Top 40. Ensembles include concert bands, jazz ensembles, rock bands and chamber groups. Many current members of the D.C. band started their Air Force careers in a Regional Band.

We’re not just for marching!

Many people associate military bands with marching and parades. It’s true most Air Force bands take part in several parades a year and also some military ceremonies, but the majority of performances involve other musical environments. The largest segment of band performances takes place during community relations tours. Each band travels throughout an assigned geographic region, putting on free concerts for the public. For example, the Air Force Band of Liberty performs across New York State, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Concert sites can include high school gymnasiums or auditoriums, recital halls, grand theaters, sports arenas or outdoor parks. Audiences can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands. The collective ensembles of the Air Force Band of Liberty average more than 500 concerts each year with live audiences running into the millions. In addition, the band is often heard and seen by millions more through television and radio appearances and recordings.

Music - plus benefits

Besides travel and performing experience, there are other great benefits to an Air Force musical career. Salaries start at approximately $35,000 - $40,000 depending on college credit hours and marital status. Air Force members receive full family medical coverage, steady pay growth, 30 days paid vacation each year, a retirement plan and other benefits. The Air Force also provides educational benefits such as student loan deferments, the Montgomery GI Bill or up to $10,000 for college loans, tuition assistance and money for private lessons.

How do I sign up?

So you’re thinking about joining? The first step is to send a tape and resume. Pending a review of your materials, you will be invited for a live audition.

You can check out all the audition requirements for your instrument on the web at: www.af.mil/band/employ/reg-enlisted.asp.

Along with passing an audition, applicants must be physically qualified and between 18 and 34 years of age to join the band. If you pass the audition, you’ll be sent to a recruiter to begin the enlistment process. For more info see www.airforce.com.

Basic Training

All new Air Force enlistees, including musicians, are required to complete six weeks of Basic Military Training (BMT) at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. During this period, recruits are issued uniforms, undergo initial in-processing, attend classes, receive training in basic military skills and band recruits perform with the BMT Drum and Bugle Corps. You can find out all about Air Force basic training at www.usmilitary.about.com/library/weekly/aa041500a.htm.

What duties will I have, in addition to playing in the band?

• Loading Crew

  All new members serve at least two or three years on the loading crew. These folks are responsible for loading, unloading, setting-up and tearing down all the equipment before and after each performance.

• Military Details

  "Details" is the military word for chores. All lower ranking members clean and organize in and around the band building about 3 or 4 times a month.

• Additional Duties

  Each band member is eventually assigned to an office area with the organization. These jobs are necessary to keep the band functioning smoothly. Some examples are:

  • music library
  • publicity
  • tour scheduling (operations)
  • equipment supply
  • band administration

The Air Force band program is an exciting and unique way to perform professionally and serve your country. For more information on Air Force bands visit the Air Force Band web site at www.af.mil/band.

Additional Web sites that might be of interest:

www.boston.com(for information on the Boston area)

www.hanscom.af.mil(for information on Hanscom Air Force Base)

How to contact us:

US Air Force Band of Liberty
Attn: Human Resources
25 Chennault St
Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-1718

Staff Sergeant Jon Linker: jon.linker@hanscom.af.mil
(781) 377-7035