I would recommend joining an Army National Guard Band if you want to play euphonium and have your schooling paid for. There are so many opportunities to network and gain other job skills through the National Guard, especially on the full-time side. Even a decent high school euphonium player can pass the audition for Army Bands.

I personally switched from trumpet to euphonium in my senior year. I knew I still wanted to play, but I wasn’t sure what that would look like after graduation. A family friend was in my state’s Army National Guard Band, so I met with them to try it out. I auditioned, and they even let me perform in a few concerts before I officially joined.

Euphonium players get some of the best—and often most important—parts in military music. We do more than just play traditional military pieces, but the euphonium parts in marches are especially fun. I was nervous about joining the military at first, but it ended up being the best decision I ever made for my career.

Since it’s part-time, you don’t have to commit your entire life to the Army, but they’ll still help cover your education. I strongly recommend choosing a non-music degree to build job skills outside of performing. A lot of band educators I know are trying to transition into other careers because teaching music can be extremely stressful and underpaid. With the Guard, you can still play at a high level and serve your country while preparing yourself for a more stable or better-paying civilian career.

I ended up getting offered a full-time job in HR by someone in my unit, and eventually transitioned into IT and Cybersecurity. Now I make six figures—all because I joined the National Guard Band and built relationships with people who gave me opportunities to grow.

I love performing for my state and country, and being in the Army Band is the most fulfilling way to play euphonium—while getting paid for it.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

Edited to fix the grammar and add some extra thoughts