Washington Commanders Marching Band Auditions

The band is made up of professional musicians, avocational musicians, and student musicians from around the Mid-Atlantic.  Many members are music teachers, gigging musicians, or studio musicians.

The Washington Commanders Marching band performs at every Commanders home game (on the field and in the stands), as well as at community events throughout the Washington, D.C. region.

On gamedays the marching band often performs pregame around the concourse, a short on-field pregame segment, as well as the National Anthem and an on-field halftime show once or twice a season.

The Marching Band plays traditional marching band fare, arranged popular music, and the Commanders Fight Song, "Hail to the Commanders.

The Band generally rehearses once per week during the weeks of home games, with additional rehearsals scheduled as necessary. The Band performs during every home game, and occasionally at special events.

If you can make the bulk of the rehearsals but might have to miss a few, please audition anyway. You will have the opportunity to see the full rehearsal schedule and peruse the absence policy before committing to the position.

All musicians are paid for every rehearsal, game, and public performance. Band members are considered part-time employees of the Washington Commanders.

Yes.  All Marching Band members are part time employees of the Commanders and receive all the associated benefits.  All musicians receive complimentary parking for all rehearsals and games.  All musicians receive 2 complimentary tickets for invited guests (including complimentary parking for your invited guests) to all home games.  Additionally, all musicians get complimentary Commanders gear such as hats, t-shirts, bags, pins, lanyards, etc.  Meals are provided for all musicians on game days and at select rehearsals.

Self-own or rent musical instrument, ability to stand for long periods of time (accommodation will be made for members with physical disabilities), must be 18 years of age or older and have graduated high school. Reliable transportation to make rehearsals and performances. Must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to be employed in the United States 

i.    Woodwind / Brass Instruments: 

All woodwind and brass applicants must have their own instrument (except for tubas) 

An expectation that musicians will perform at a professional or collegiate level 

ii.    Percussion Instruments: Percussionists are expected to do a mix of traditional drumline, R&B, Go-Go, and other Pop styles with a bit of original choreography.

Yes, all uniforms will be provided for all performances.  

Meals, beverages, and snacks are provided for the band on performance days.

Yes. Please arrive close to 6pm if you intend to audition on more than one instrument. You will have separate auditions for each instrument.

Please reach out to us at marchingband@commanders.com and we will do our best to answer all questions.