Each military band has a website where they indicate what they are looking for in prospective military band members. Here, for example, is what the top US Marine Band looks for, from their recruitment website:

“No specific level of education is required, but most members hold college degrees, and many hold advanced degrees. The playing ability and expertise required are equivalent to those of any major professional musical organization.”

First thing you need to do is to become highly proficient on your main instrument! So a college performance degree is the next step. Some applicants even get a master’s degree in performance in order to become more proficient. Note that most military bands also require you to enlist. So do check the websites of each branch of the military very carefully; note that some branches have several bands. And address your specific questions not answered on their websites to the contacts each band includes on their sites.

I think it’s worth noting that presently, only the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and Air National Guard offer reservist bands. (There is a counterintuitively named Marine Corps Reserve Band, but they are full-time Marines who offer musical support to the entirety of the Marine Corps Reserve, which is a small component within an already small branch of service.)

I have a Student Loan Repayment Plan and a Montgomery GI Bill with a “kicker” as my incentives. I’ve never heard of anyone being unable to join the military due to having too much student loan debt, as the article claims. Not to say it couldn’t happen, but I’ve been in long enough to probably be aware of that situation if it existed.

And finally, much like others have stated above, the reserve component bands play international and head of state gigs, as well. We definitely don’t play as many shows as active duty, but my band has played internationally in the last year and we have Soldiers who have played for past presidents, too.

We did some research and it appears that most if not all military bands prohibit visible piercings except for small earrings on women.

There are definitely some military choruses as well as opportunities for soloists to perform with military bands. Some of the military choruses have historically been for men-only. Check the websites of each branch of the military to learn more about what’s available and how one gets an audition. Look, for example, at the US Navy’s Sea Chanters, the US Army Chorus, the Air Force’s Singing Sergeants, and The Presidents Own US Marine Band for vocalists. Find out what else is required of those who want to sing with these groups. Members of these vocal groups are typically graduates of college-level music schools with strong backgrounds in performance and leadership.

Both are essential.

It’s based off of skill though correct? Not college education?

Look at the audition requirements for any of the military bands you are interested in joining. They look for highly proficient players who have graduated from a college or university – typically music majors. The more experience you can get through private lessons, practicing, playing in school bands, attending summer music programs, learning some music theory, becoming a proficient sight-reader, and improving your listening skills by listening to lots of live and recorded music of different genres – the better your chances.

The job demand changes all the time. Check the job openings/audition dates on the websites of each branch of the military to learn more. For example, if you Google Navy Band Job Openings you’ll find this: