Anyone who has taken the AMPA on Saxophone, what was your quickly prepared music like and what should I generally expect?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 May 2018 17:53:03 -0400

I am not auditioning for the USASOM but to start OJT for reclass to eventually go to USASOM.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 5:57 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 May 2018 17:57:57 -0400

I had pieces like Molly on the Shore, Four Brothers, American Patrol, Stars and Stripes, Garry Owen, the alto solo in one of the Dahl Sinfonietta movements.

I can’t remember all that I had, but those were some of them. Esentially, technical big band excerpts and commonly played marches. Important concert band solos. Jazz transcriptions.

There is a rotation if like 4 quickly prepared books thet change every so often.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 2:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 02:44:42 -0400

I admire your wanting to become a bandsman, but point blank you need to be able to pass an AMPA. With the way the Army works these days an AMPA score is the difference between you getting into an NCOES class, being promoted, or worst case scenario.... chaptered out because you can’t advance in rank. As far as musical selections go, I’d pick something on the level of AT LEAST a freshman or sophomore in college would play. That is the standard these days. If you pick something easier you better be able to NAIL IT! The Tableaux de Provence is always a good starting point. Especially the second movement for the time alloted. Then choose 2 other contrasting pieces... maybe a March and a fast movement from a concerto.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2018 4:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 16:50:55 -0400

SPC Woodall,

I just left the band liaison position, which assists reclassification applicants in auditioning and competiting for a vacancy. If you go to Music.army.mil/careers and submit a request for an audition, the new Liaison will send you some information about the AMPA and give you a list of suggested repertoire as well as some audition excerpts that have been used for part two of the audition. Unfortunately, saxophone is one of the more competitive instruments for reclassification. We do higher monthly to fill vacancies, but there aren’t many vacancies for your instrument. Because of this, is likely you will need to score around a 30 to be competitive for position. Just to be considered to hire, you must have at least a 24 on the AMPA.

If you are already in O.J. T at the first cavalry division band, then you are well on your way. But I would highly recommend taking private lessons in order to prepare yourself for the audition.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2018 2:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 14:16:30 -0400

A couple of marches, some concert band pieces, and big band jazz. Some of it was very difficult. They have to put some more difficult stuff in it to be able to award those higher scores. They don't expect to to be able to play EVERYTHING perfect. Just do the best you can and be as precise with dynamics and articulations as you can, especially on the easier stuff. Once you are in the field and awarded the MOS you will have to take the AMPA again at the school for ALC and SLC.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2018 2:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 14:19:59 -0400

BTW, I was in the CAV Band many moons ago..... Gary Owen!!