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, as well as at community events throughout the Washington, D.C. region.

Most game days, the marching band performs in a parade around the concourse before the game, at Legends Plaza before the game, and on the field for a pregame performance. At some games, the drumline performs at the USO Tent before the game. One or two times per season, the marching band performs the National Anthem and an on-field Halftime show.

You can celebrate a Commanders win on your way out of the stadium by enjoying the drumline's post-victory performance at Gate A!

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

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

The Commanders are proud to partner with the District Heights Recreation Center, which is the official home of the Washington Commanders Music Department. The marching band rehearses on the District Heights Rec Center Field.

All musicians who are interested in the marching band and who are generally available on Wednesday evenings and Sundays are encouraged to audition. The NFL schedule is released in May, and a season rehearsal schedule is provided to members at that time, specifying exact rehearsal and game dates to the degree they are known. Members are expected to attend every rehearsal and game, with some exceptions for extenuating circumstances.

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 are eligible for staff ticket benefits.

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.

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