Welcome to the Washington Army National Guard
133 Army Band

 

Ensembles

♫ Traditional concert music is played by the 133 Army Concert Band, comprised of all members of our organization,and led by our Bandmaster, WO1 Scott Pierson.  This is one of our main bands.

♫ The 133 Army Marching Band, led by SFC Sherri Buckler, exemplifies the essence of esprit de corps most often associated with the military music tradition.

♫ The 133 Army Jazz Band, a.k.a. "The Jazz Patriots" has 16 members and is currently led by SSG Richard Dahl.

♫ The Rock Band, a.k.a. "Music 2 Boot", led by SGT Richard Little, performs popular music with a punch.

♫The Brass Quintet, led by SSG Shawnee Phillips, primarily provides musical support for ceremonies.

♫ "Jazz Combo" is lead by SGT Natalie Washington. They provide music at formal dinner events as well as other public concert venues.

Frequently Asked Questions

♫ Who can join the 133 Army National Guard Band?  Any musician, male or female, who is otherwise qualified to enlist in the Army National Guard, and can pass a pre-arranged audition by an authorized auditioner, can join an Army National Guard Band.  An Army National Guard recruiter will arrange the audition by contacting the unit or the Commander.

♫ How well do I have to play?  The main interest is in your sight-reading ability and demonstrated musicianship, i.e. tone, technique, rhythm, and intonation.  Perfection is not expected, but honest effort is.  If you pass the audition, the Army National Guard will assist you in learning and growing as a musician.

♫ Where may I audition?  Army National Guard auditions are typically given at the unit on Camp Murray in located in Tacoma, WA, but can be given at a high school, recruiting station or other suitable location.  This will be worked out with the auditioner, recruiter and you.  Your recruiter will arrange for the transportation to and from the audition.

♫ What happens if I fail the audition?  If you fail the audition, you will be told what your weaknesses are, and how you can correct them.  You’ll also be informed that you can return at a later date to re-audition.

♫ What rank will I be and why are musicians enlisted at these ranks?  Those who pass an audition may enlist at the advanced pay grade of E-3.  If you have completed a four-year degree, you may enlist as an   E-4.  To become an Army National Guard musician, you must be able to play an instrument proficiently.  The Army considers this a Civilian Acquired Skill.  This means that prior to enlistment, you had many years of training and practice to learn this skill.  Your civilian musical training enables you to enlist at these advanced grades.

♫ Do I have to attend Basic Training?  Yes, all Army National Guard musicians are required to attend Basic Training.

♫ Where do I go for my Advanced Individual Training (AIT)? After Basic Training, you will attend a four-week AIT at the Army School of Music, located at the Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base in Norfolk, VA, where you will learn the duties of an Army musician. Time spent at the school will include private lessons and music theory, along with large and small ensemble playing opportunities. .

♫ Am I eligible for a bonus?  There are possible bonuses for certain Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), Non-prior and Prior Service Bonuses, Affiliation Bonuses (for those enlisting directly from an Active Component), Extension/Re-enlistment bonuses, and an additional bonus for shipping to Basic during an off-peak season.  Bonuses change frequently, so ask your recruiter to see if you may qualify for any of the bonuses currently offered.

♫ Do Prior Service members need to audition?  If you already hold an MOS in the Military Band field in any military service or component, you are eligible to enlist without an audition.  If you are a prior service member holding a different MOS or job skill, you must audition to attain the band MOS.

Audition Requirements & Procedures

The U.S. Army Band entrance audition (except for the four special bands) is a three-part audition consisting of a prepared solo, grade IV or higher, major scales, and sight-reading standard concert band music.

  •      Woodwind and Brass instruments are required to perform the following:

♫ Prepared piece:  grade IV or higher solo, etude and other work

♫ Major scales: arpeggios, must follow each scale and all scales and arpeggios must be memorized (tempos and ranges vary according to instrument)

♫ Sight-reading: standard concert band, jazz band (applicable instruments) and march music

  •      Percussionist must perform on snare drum, drum set and a mallet instrument.  The requirements are:

♫ Snare Drum:  solo, rudiments and sight-reading

♫ Drum Set:  sight-reading and demonstrate the following idioms; swing, rock, Latin and funk

♫ Mallet:  scales and sight-reading

  •      Rhythm instruments (Keyboard, Electric Guitar and Electric Bass) are required to do the following:

♫ Prepared piece, one in each of the following styles:  swing, pop/rock, Latin, and ballad

♫ Scales:  same requirements as listed above

♫ Sight-reading:  standard music for your instruments, chords and chord changes, bass lines, and chord progressions

On a Historical Note

     The 133 Army Band was organized and recognized in the Washington Army National Guard in 1924 as the Band Section Battery of the 146th Field Artillery. In July 1940, it was recognized as the 146th Field Artillery Band.

     In September 1940, the Band was inducted into federal service at Seattle, WA. During World War II the band was reorganized as the 41st Infantry Division Band, and its campaign credits include New Guinea, Luzon and the Southern Philippines. The Band was also awarded the Presidential Citation for service in the Philippines. The band completed its WWII service in Japan, where it was deactivated in December 1945.

     The band was again reorganized and recognized in the Washington Army National Guard in October 1947. In April 1959, it became known as the HHD 41st Infantry Division Trains & 41st Infantry Band. Prior to President Truman integrating the military in 1948, the 41st band was the only all African American Army National Guard Band in the United States. We are proud to claim Quincy Jones as one of our alumni.

     In March 1953, it then became HQ & Band, 41st Infantry Division Support Command. It was redesignated as the 133 Army Band in January 1968.

How to Join

Our 133 Army Band is made up of Guardsmen carefully selected from amongst the finest soldiers and non-commissioned officers of the Washington Army National Guard.  Guardsmen from any unit with any Military Occupational Specialty may participate.  Volunteers must be members in good standing of the Washington Army National Guard, and must remain so for the duration of their tour with the 133 Army Band. Come be a part of this unique organization.  You'll travel and meet people from throughout the state and be a part of the momentous events that shape the history of Washington.Contact the band at .

133rd Army Band