Washington Commanders Marching Band Auditions
Do you want to Join the 2023 Commanders Marching Band? The Washington Commanders Music Department is pleased to announce an additional audition date for the 2023 Marching Band. Auditions are open to all eligible applicants. Please see audition details and qualifications below. We look forward to your audition!
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
6:00-9:30 PM
No pre-registration required – walk ins will be accepted until 8:00pm.
The music auditions will be done blind. All applicants will audition behind a screen for a panel of highly qualified adjudicators from both within and outside of the Commanders organization. Applicants who pass the music audition will be invited to participate in the marching audition at 8:30pm. Please email marchingband@commanders.com with any questions you might have.
Instrument Openings for 2023 Include: Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Mellophone, Baritone, Trombone, Tuba, Drumline
You will find all of the required audition sheet music below.
The audition will consist of the following:
Two required excerpts. Please be prepared to play the required excerpts in their entirety.
One solo excerpt of your own choosing. Please choose a selection written for the instrument on which you are auditioning. The solo excerpt may not be longer than 60 seconds. We recommend you select something that shows off your strengths as a musician.
Please bring 2 copies of the sheet music of your solo excerpt for the adjudicators.You may audition on two different instruments by signing up for two non-consecutive audition times. Instruments will not be provided at the auditions. Please bring your own instruments and mouthpieces. Sheet music and music stands will be provided.
Auditions will take place at FedEx Field. Applicants should Park in lot A platinum and enter through the administrative entrance, where they will be met by a music department staff member.
**
Specific Drumline information can be found on the drumline page found here.**
Commanders Audition 2023 SNARES
Commanders Audition 2023 BASSES
Commanders Audition 2023 TENORS
Commanders Audition 2023 CYMBALS
Commanders Tenor Saxophone #1
Commanders Mellophone #2
Commanders Baritone #1 & #2
Commanders Alto Saxophone #1
Commanders Trumpet #1 & #2
Commanders Tuba #1 & #2
Commanders Trombone #1
Commanders Mellophone #1
Commanders Alto Saxophone #2
Commanders Trombone #2
Frequently Asked Questions
WHO COMPRISES THE COMMANDERS MARCHING BAND?
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.
WHERE DOES THE MARCHING BAND PLAY?
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.
WHAT STYLE OF MUSIC DOES THE COMMANDERS MARCHING BAND PLAY?
The Marching Band will play traditional marching band fare as well as arranged popular music. The band will also play the team's revamped Fight Song.
WHEN ARE REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES?
There will be Wednesday night rehearsals on game weeks, with additional rehearsals scheduled as necessary
Performances are at all Commanders homes games at FedExField.Here is a sneak peak of the offseason schedule, once the NFL season schedule is announced we will make the full Marching Band Schedule available.
- April 15 9:30am-4:30pm Auditions
- April 16 9:30am-4:30pm Auditions
- June 3 9:30am-4:30pm Rehearsal
- June 4 9:30am-4:30pm Rehearsal
- July 8 9:30am-4:30pm Rehearsal
- August 13 2:00pm-5:00pm Rehearsal
- August 16 6:15pm-9:15pm Rehearsal
WHAT IF I CAN’T MAKE EVERY REHEARSAL?
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.
ARE COMMANDERS MARCHING BAND MEMBERS PAID?
All musicians are paid for every rehearsal, game, and public performance. Band members are considered part-time employees of the Washington Commanders.
ARE THERE ANY PERKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE POSITION?
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.
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TO AUDITION
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.
WILL UNIFORMS BE PROVIDED?
Yes, all uniforms will be provided for all performances.
Meals, beverages, and snacks are provided for the band on performance days.
MAY I AUDITION FOR MORE THAN ONE INSTRUMENT?
Yes. Please arrive close to 6pm if you intend to audition on more than one instrument. You will have separate auditions for each instrument.
DIDN’T SEE AN ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION?
Please reach out to us at marchingband@commanders.com and we will do our best to answer all questions.