DA Form 7764-9 Bassoon AMPA: Army Band Audition Guide

DA Form 7764-9 Bassoon AMPA: Army Band Audition Guide – Are you a bassoonist interested in joining a U.S. Army Band? The DA Form 7764-9, officially titled Army Musician Proficiency Assessment (AMPA) (Bassoon), is the key evaluation tool used to assess your skills for enlistment, reclassification, or advancement in the Army Music Career Program (MOS 42R).

This form standardizes the audition process for bassoon players (ASI 9K) and ensures only qualified musicians enter Army bands, which perform in ceremonies, concerts, and outreach events worldwide.

What Is DA Form 7764-9 and Why Does It Matter?

The U.S. Army School of Music (USASOM) in Virginia Beach, VA, developed the AMPA series (DA Form 7764-1 through 7764-16) as the only authorized method for evaluating the musical proficiency of Soldiers in PMOS 42R (Army Musician), MOS 420C (Bandmaster), and AOC 42C (Army Music Officer).

DA Form 7764-9 specifically evaluates bassoon performance across technical ability, musicality, and readiness for military band duties. It serves as the official record for:

  • Initial enlistment into Army bands via the Army Band Career Program (ABCP).
  • Reclassification or affiliation for prior-service or current Soldiers.
  • Periodic proficiency assessments within units.

Download the official DA Form 7764-9 here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/ARN20218_a7764_9_FINAL.pdf

Structure of the Bassoon AMPA (DA Form 7764-9)

The assessment includes four main parts, conducted under certified administrators and often recorded for USASOM review. Bassoon is the only authorized instrument for the 9K designation.

Part 1: Prepared Music (Your Showcase)
Perform at least three selections of contrasting styles, totaling no more than 5 minutes. Choose pieces that highlight your technical and stylistic range (e.g., Classical/Baroque concerto or sonata movements, 20th-century works, orchestral excerpts, woodwind quintet, etudes, or concert band literature).

Part 2: Quickly Prepared Music
You receive six selections one day in advance. Perform two from each group:

  • Group A: Concert Band (not a march).
  • Group B: Marches (one in simple time, one in compound time).
  • Group C: Chamber Ensemble.

Part 3: Ceremonial Music
Demonstrate proficiency with standard military pieces:

  • National Anthem.
  • Army Song.
  • General’s March.

Part 4: Additional Skills (Optional Points)
Earn up to 2 points per category (max 4):

  • Doubles on another ASI instrument.
  • Vocals (per vocalist AMPA standards).

Scoring and Passing Standards

Evaluators use a detailed rubric on the form, scoring each relevant category from 0 to 6 points. Key categories typically include:

  • Time and Rhythm.
  • Technique.
  • Tone, Intonation, Range, and Response (bassoon-specific notes on reed-making skills).
  • Style, Articulation, Note Shapes, and Expression.
  • Musicality, Phrasing, and Dynamics.
  • Music Preparation (primarily for Part 2).

Passing Scores:

  • Most instruments require a minimum overall score of 18.
  • Bassoon (9K), oboe, and voice require 24 due to their specialized demands.

Critical Rule: Scoring 0 or 1 in any category results in a NO-GO for the entire AMPA, regardless of the total. You must score at least a “2” in every category.

Who Needs to Take the Bassoon AMPA?

  • Prospective enlistees targeting woodwind positions in Active Duty, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve bands.
  • Soldiers seeking reclassification into MOS 42R with bassoon specialty.
  • Current band members for proficiency tracking or promotions.

Army bands offer stable careers with opportunities for performance, travel, and leadership while serving the nation through music.

Preparation Tips for Success on DA Form 7764-9

  1. Select Strong Contrasting Pieces — Showcase variety (e.g., a Mozart or Weber movement, a modern excerpt like from Rite of Spring, and chamber music). Difficulty and musical accuracy matter.
  2. Master Ceremonial Repertoire — Practice these staples with precise rhythm, intonation, and military-style execution.
  3. Quick Preparation Skills — Build sight-reading and rapid learning abilities for marches, concert band, and chamber music.
  4. Reed Making & Tone — The rubric rewards strong reed-making skills and consistent tone across registers.
  5. Record Yourself — Many units conduct video AMPAs. Ensure clear audio, marked scores, and professional presentation.
  6. Study Official Guidance — Review USASOM Regulation 350-70-4 for detailed rubrics and examples.

Contact your local Army recruiter or band unit for certified administrators and current requirements.

Why Join an Army Band as a Bassoonist?

U.S. Army Bands provide full-time performance opportunities, competitive pay and benefits, professional development, and the chance to share music with audiences worldwide. Bassoonists add depth to concert, ceremonial, and chamber ensembles.

Ready to audition? Download DA Form 7764-9 and begin preparing today. A strong AMPA score opens the door to one of the most unique and rewarding careers in the U.S. Army.

Official Resources:

  • Army Bands Career Page: goarmy.com
  • USASOM and unit-specific AMPA prep materials.