DA Form 7764-1: Army AMPA Trumpet Guide & PDF Download – If you’re pursuing a career as a U.S. Army musician in the Army Band program (MOS 42R), the DA Form 7764-1 is your official gateway. This form records the results of the Army Musician Proficiency Assessment (AMPA) specifically for trumpet players. Whether you’re enlisting, reclassifying, or advancing in the Army Bands Career Program (ABCP), passing the AMPA is mandatory.
In this guide, we break down exactly what DA Form 7764-1 is, why it matters, how the trumpet AMPA works, scoring requirements, preparation tips, and where to download the latest official form directly from the U.S. Army Publishing Directorate.
What Is DA Form 7764-1?
DA Form 7764-1 is titled Army Musician Proficiency Assessment (AMPA) (Trumpet). It is the sole authorized U.S. Army document used to record and report a trumpet player’s performance during the official musical skills evaluation.
- Proponent: Commandant, U.S. Army School of Music (USASOM).
- Part of a series: The DA Form 7764 series covers every instrument and role in Army bands (trumpet, euphonium, trombone, etc.).
- Purpose: It serves as the permanent record of your AMPA results for enlistment, advanced promotion under the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program (ACASP), Advanced Individual Training (AIT) completion, retention, NCOES courses, instructor assignments, and more.
Note: While some older references mention USASOM Forms (e.g., 1-9B), the current official DA Form 7764-1 from armypubs.army.mil remains the authorized version for Army-wide use.
Why the AMPA Matters for U.S. Army Trumpet Players?
The AMPA is the only authorized method to evaluate the musical proficiency of Soldiers in PMOS 42R (Army Musician), MOS 420C (Bandmaster), and AOC 42C (Army Music Officer).
It determines:
- Eligibility to join any Army band (Active, National Guard, or Reserve).
- Award of PMOS 42R and any associated Additional Skill Identifiers (ASI).
- Retention in the Army Band program.
- Qualification for advanced training and leadership roles.
Without a passing AMPA score on DA Form 7764-1, you cannot enter or remain in the Army Band career field.
How the Army Musician Proficiency Assessment (AMPA) for Trumpet Works?
The trumpet AMPA consists of two main performance sections and is typically conducted live or via approved video recording. Total prepared performance time is limited to 5 minutes for Part 1.
Part 1: Prepared Music
- Perform at least 3 selections of contrasting styles (e.g., classical, jazz, swing, marches, Latin, brass quintet, etudes, or concert band literature).
- Styles must be as diverse as possible — avoid three similar classical pieces.
- One selection may be performed on C trumpet, Eb trumpet, cornet, flugelhorn, or piccolo trumpet.
- Goal: Showcase your highest level of technical difficulty and musicality.
Part 2: Quickly Prepared Music
- You receive six selections one day prior to the assessment.
- Perform two selections per group:
- Group A: Concert Band / Chamber Ensemble (one each; no marches).
- Group B: Marches (one in simple time, one in compound time).
- Group C: Swing / Commercial (one each).
- Selections are usually 1st or solo parts.
Video AMPA Option: Many units now use video submissions. All printed music must accompany the video, and measures must be clearly marked.
AMPA Trumpet Scoring Rubric and Minimum Requirements
Scoring uses a detailed rubric on the back of the form with six categories scored 0–6 points each (maximum total: 36 points).
Categories:
- Technique / Mechanics
- Musicality / Phrasing / Dynamics
- Tone / Intonation / Range
- Style / Articulation / Note Shapes
- Time / Rhythm
- Music Preparation (Part 2 only)
Passing Rules (strict):
- Minimum 2 points in every single category (0 or 1 in any category = automatic NO-GO).
- Overall minimum passing score: 18 points for initial enlistment, AIT completion, and basic MOS qualification.
- Higher scores (24+, 28+, 30+, 36) required for advanced promotions, NCOES, instructor roles, and officer applications.
Scores are averaged between the Board Member (BM) and Senior Member (SM). Their scores must be within 2 points; larger differences invalidate the assessment.
Who Must Complete DA Form 7764-1?
- Civilian applicants auditioning for Army bands.
- Current Soldiers seeking reclassification into MOS 42R.
- Army musicians required to demonstrate ongoing proficiency.
- Soldiers applying for advanced promotion, AIT completion, or special assignments.
Results are valid for 180 days (with some exceptions for Reserve Component training).
Preparation Tips for Trumpet Players
- Choose the most challenging yet musically polished repertoire you can perform flawlessly.
- Practice contrasting styles daily — classical, jazz, marches, and commercial are essential.
- Master quick-prep skills: sight-reading and rapid learning under pressure.
- Record yourself and self-evaluate using the exact rubric categories.
- Work with a certified AMPA assessor or current Army band member for feedback.
- Review the latest USASOM Regulation 350-70-4 for exact music lists and procedures.
Download DA Form 7764-1 PDF (Official & Free)
Direct official download (current version):
DA Form 7764-1 – Army Musician Proficiency Assessment (AMPA) (Trumpet)
This fillable PDF is the only authorized form. Always use the latest version from armypubs.army.mil for your packet.
Additional Official Resources
- U.S. Army School of Music (USASOM) – AMPA regulation and guidance.
- GoArmy.com Army Bands career page.
- Your local Army recruiter or nearest Army band unit for scheduling an audition.
Ready to join the Army Band? Download DA Form 7764-1 today and start preparing for your trumpet AMPA. A passing score on this form is your first step toward an exciting, music-filled Army career.