Exploring the Annapolis Naval Academy Band!

I've been playing in my high school band and am interested in the band at the Annapolis Naval Academy. What sort of musical opportunities do they offer, and how competitive is it to join?

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) indeed offers several musical opportunities that might interest you. There's the United States Naval Academy Band, which has been providing music for the Brigade of Midshipmen, and surrounding community since 1852. The band is made up of professional, full-time musicians who perform in various ensembles, such as the ceremonial/marching units, wind trio, jazz ensemble, brass quintet, etc.

Getting into the USNA band is highly competitive as it's comprised of professional musicians who have often studied their instrument at the collegiate level before joining. Acceptance into the band is based on a successful audition. Marine musicians are fully enlisted members of the United States Marine Corps, so there are also physical training and other service commitments involved alongside the musical tasks.

For midshipmen (students at the Naval Academy), there's the Drum & Bugle Corps, which is the oldest "extracurricular" team at the Naval Academy, the Trident Brass ensemble, Gospel Choir, Men and Women's Glee Clubs, and the Musical Theatre group. They are part of the USNA’s “Special Activities” groups and are less competitive to join compared to the official USNA Band. Membership is open to all midshipmen, regardless of experience, through auditions held at the beginning of each academic year. However, the various groups do have their own standards and might require a demonstration of certain skill levels.

Regardless of your musical interests, to attend the USNA, you'll need to meet their admission requirements which include obtaining a nomination, usually from a U.S. representative or senator, and passing the Academy's physical fitness assessments, among other things. If you're interested, it would be a good idea to start preparing and investigating these requirements as soon as possible.