Premier Band - The USAF Band

What does the Premier Band - The USAF Band career field do?

Manages, supervises, and performs as an instrumentalist, music arranger, vocalist, librarian, or audio engineer, or other specialty as determined by the commander, in The United States Air Force Band. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 145000.

Duties and responsibilities

• Instrumentalists perform on one or more musical instruments in a variety of musical performing units to include (but not limited to): marching band, concert band, jazz band, popular music ensemble, string ensemble, quintet, quartet, or soloist. Arrangers adapt music into customized musical arrangements and create original music for various musical ensembles. Vocalists read, sing, and memorize vocal parts for public performance. Vocalists perform in a variety of musical performing units to include (but not limited to): chorus, popular musical ensemble, jazz band, country band, quartet, and soloist. Librarians manage print and digital music. Audio Engineers operate and maintain audio reinforcement, recording, lighting, video, and multimedia equipment used during rehearsals and performances. Some members of this career field drill with the marching band and execute commands based on drum major verbal or non- verbal direction while playing and carrying a musical instrument. All members perform under conductor, NCOIC, section leader or drum major direction.
• Plans, organizes, directs, inspects, and performs band activities. Members analyze musical requirements and provide appropriate musical support. Members plan, schedule, and coordinate rehearsals, ceremonies, master classes, and performances. Members advise higher authority on band status, equipment maintenance and requirements, personnel training, and operational efficiency. Members manage and/or perform other duties in support functions such as Operations, Readiness, Administrative Support, Publicity, and Resources.

Specialty qualifications

Knowledge. The following knowledge is mandatory as indicated:

• For entry into this specialty, knowledge will be demonstrated to a premier band commander or designate through a standardized audition process. Commander will determine task qualification level and may tailor requirements to suit local needs.
• For instrumentalist: instrumental solo and ensemble performance techniques, music theory, rehearsal techniques, and the ability to read printed music.
• For vocalist: vocal solo and ensemble performance techniques, music theory, rehearsal techniques, the ability to read printed music, and the ability to sing in a foreign language.
• For librarians: library science and the ability to read printed music.
• For arrangers: music theory, transposition, capabilities of instruments authorized for Air Force bands, and the ability to arrange and compose music using industry standard software.
• For audio engineers: sound reinforcement theory and application, lighting, video, and multimedia technology.

Education.

• For entry into this specialty, completion of high school or general educational development equivalency is mandatory.
• For entry into this specialty as an instrumentalist, vocalist or arranger, courses in applied instrumental or vocal music, composition, music theory, music history, harmony, ear training, and/or transposition of music are desirable.
• For entry into this specialty as a librarian, courses in music history and library sciences are desirable.
• For entry into this specialty as an audio engineer, course in sound reinforcement, electronics, recording techniques, and/or music editing are desirable.

Training.

• For award of the 7-skill level, completion of Basic Military Training as a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps flight or completion of the Prior Sister Service Course is required.

Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of AFSC indicated:

• 3N251. This AFSC is not used except under extraordinary circumstance such as, but not limited to, demotion. Consult with CFM prior to award.
• 3N271. Pre-qualification via standardized audition process and assignment to The United States Air Force Band. Pre-qualification demonstrates experience performing as an instrumentalist, music arranger, vocalist, or audio engineer.
• 3N291. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3N271. Experience directing and planning band activities such as providing musical services, training musical groups, and performing administrative functions. Also, experience supervising and performing with bands, choruses, or similar groups.

Other. The following are mandatory as indicated:

• For entry into this specialty:
• Pre-qualification via standardized audition.
• See attachment 4 for additional entry requirements.
• For award and retention of these AFSCs, must maintain local network access IAW AFI 17-130, Cybersecurity Program Management and AFMAN 17-1301, Computer Security.
• Specialty requires routine access to Tier 3 (T3) information, systems, or similar classified environments. For award and retention of AFSCs 3N2XX, completion of a current T3 Investigation required IAW DoDM 5200.02, AFMAN 16-1405, Air Force Personnel Security Program, is mandatory. NOTE: Award of the 7-skill level without a completed T3 Investigation is authorized provided an interim Secret security clearance has been granted according to DoDM 5200.02, AFMAN 16-1405.

Civilian career paths

Comparable civilian careers for this field pay roughly $47,920–$133,460 per year (median salaries; varies by role and location):

• Advertising and Promotions Managers: $133,460
• Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes: $75,420
• Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary: $69,690
• Audio and Video Technicians: $47,920
• Disc Jockeys: N/A
• General and Operations Managers: $103,650
• Human Resources Managers: $121,220
• Human Resources Specialists: $63,490
• Lighting Technicians: $70,980
• Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners: $51,560
• Middle School Teachers: $60,810
• Music Directors and Composers: $52,250
• Music Therapists: $57,310
• Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners: $36,810
• Musicians and Singers: N/A
• Producers and Directors: $76,400
• Purchasing Managers: $125,940
• Secondary School Teachers: $62,870
• Sound Engineering Technicians: $53,520
• Talent Directors: $76,400
• Training and Development Managers: $115,640