249^th ARMY BAND

Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

• What is the 249^th Army Band ?
• Who plays in this band?
• Where is this band located?
• How much does this pay?
• What are the requirements for entrance into the 249th?
• How much time is required in the 249th?
• What kind of instruments are available to me in this band?
• What kind of ensembles perform in the 249^th?
• Are there college students in the 249^th?
• Are there high school students in the 249^th?
• Are there any age requirements for membership into the 249^th?
• What is the pay breakdown?

·         What is the 249^th Army Band?

The 249^th is an Army National Guard Band assigned to provide msucial and ceremonial support the state of West Virginia. It is located in Morgantown, WV. It’s history goes back to the late 1800s.

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Who Plays in this band?

This band is made up of musicians from 17 to 59 years old. Several of the members are College music majors. Some are teachers. Others are employed in various professional positions throughout the state. The common element of these individuals is their professional ability to perform on their instruments.

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Where is this band located?

The 249^th is located in Morgantown West Virginia. However, it performs across the state.

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How much does this pay?

The pay rate is based on military rank. However there are several pay benefits that are not effected by rank. A new member will get paid approximately $172.00 per weekend one weekend per month. While in college, they will receive college tuition paid for state colleges and highest state college rate applied toward private colleges. In addition, members who are receiving promise scholarship will receive an additional check for the same amount to be used for any financial needs. Upon completion of required qualification training, the member will receive an additional $497.00 per month for each month of full time college for up to 9 semesters. (Montgomery GI Bill)

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What are the requirements for entrance into the 249th?

Prospective band members are required to meet all the criteria of any National Guardsman. In addition, they must pass an entrance audition. The audition evaluates sight reading, tone quality, technique, rhythmic ability and scale proficiency. The 249th will accept any male or female aged 17-35 who meets these criteria.

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How much time is required with the 249th?

Member of the 249th average one weekend per week and 15 additional days scattered across the year. The normal duty day is about 8-10 hours. Total days in a year are 39 days.  Additional performances may be added with additional pay.

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What kind of instruments are available to me in this band?

Members are given an instrument to use while they belong to the band. These are all top pro model instruments. Selmer Saxophones, Bach Strad. Trumpets, Bach Trombones, Buffet Clarinets, Mirophone 5 valve tubas. We spend our money well so that the members will benefit from playing from a quality instrument. We also take care of repairs, we buy reeds, valve oil. And cleaning supplies.

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What kind of ensembles perform in the 249^th?

The 249^th consists of a concert ensemble, marching band, stage band, jazz combo, brass choir, saxophone quartet/quintet, percussion ensemble, and various small groups.

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Are there college students in the 249^th?

There have always been college students in the 249^th. In fact, a major portion of the band is made up of college students from WVU, Marshall, West Liberty, Fairmont State and often from out of state colleges.

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Are there high school students in the 249^th?

The unit usually has a few high school students.  Most enlist during their senior year a few enlist during their junior year.  This allows them the ability to make extra cash while in High School, giving them a head start for college. In fact, it also gives them the ability to get college credit for their training when they start college.

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Are there any age requirements for membership into the 249^th ?

You must be between the ages of 17 and 39 years old to join. If you are prior service, just add your number of years of service to age 39 to determine your age limit for re-enlistment.

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What is the pay breakdown?

You will start out making $215.00 per month for each weekend drill. That amount will increase as you receive promotions. In addition, while in college, you receive either tuition paid or, if you already get Promise Scholarship, you will receive a check each semester equal to tuition at that college. After completing your basic training, you will receive the GI Bill of $287.00 or $487.00 per month for each month in school for up to 9 semesters. An annual pay breakdown is provided below. This is a conservative estimate for a 6 years enlistment. This table is an estimate based on a typical High School senior who decides to enlist during the summer before their Senior Year. They do not go to Basic Training until the summer after they graduate but they do rehearse and perform with the band throughout their senior year in High School. The drill pay represents what a member makes for the one weekend per month totaled for the year. AT pay represents Annual Training pay and is the 15 days with the band in the summer. However, first year members do not go on this since they will be at their Basic Training instead. BCT stands for Basic Combat Training and is based on 10 weeks pay. The $5268.00 is the total pay for that period plus the four weeks of Basic Music training at the Armed Forces School of Music. . During Year 2 or 3, the member will attend a two week leadership school called Primary Leadership Development, this will allow the member to be promoted to the rank of E-5. In year 5 and 6 the leadership training is called Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Training.  The subtotal represents total base pay for duty. The GI Bill is a college student entitlement for National Guardsman and will increase with inflation. However it is computed on the current rate of $287.00 plus the additional $200.00 bonus kicker per month of school and totals for two semesters per year or 8 months. The Tuition figure represents what the state will pay for college tuition. If the student is on the Promise Scholarship, then that amount will be in the form of a check made out to the student. YTD is the Year To Date total of pay and benefits. SRVC is the Service Career pay totals, or the amount of pay you have received while a member of the 249^th Army Band.

 

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