Military University Technical Degree in Band Instrument
The Military University Technical Degree in Band Instrument combines musical learning with the preparation needed to serve as a musician non-commissioned officer in the Ejército Argentino. During the degree, you work on playing wind or percussion instruments, music reading and participating in ensembles.
The training also includes activities typical of a military band: playing during parades and ceremonies, performing coordinated movements, taking part in the rendering of honors and caring for the instruments. It also incorporates computer tools for working with scores and recordings.
Degree title, duration and institution
- Academic level: university undergraduate.
- Degree awarded: Técnico Universitario Militar en Instrumento de Banda (military training).
- Duration: 2 and a half years, spread over five four-month terms.
- Total workload: 2,640 hours.
- Academic unit: Escuela de Suboficiales del Ejército “Sargento Cabral”.
- Type of training: military.
What does the degree involve?
The program prepares you to perform music within a Banda Militar del Ejército Argentino. The repertoire includes marches, anthems and works of different genres, which can be performed in Force activities and in civilian events.
Learning covers both individual performance and working with other musicians. To play in an ensemble, you need to listen to the rest of the band, stay in tune, keep time and follow the conductor's directions. Musical expression is also developed for performing solo passages.
Added to this preparation is knowledge about instrument care, the use of music technology and repertoire organization.
What will you learn?
Instrumental performance and ensemble work
The degree allows you to develop the technique needed to play a band instrument with precision and expression. This includes working on sound quality, tuning and the musical possibilities of the instrument.
Ensemble practice sessions allow you to apply those skills together with other performers. The goal is for each musician to be able to integrate their part into a shared performance.
Reading and understanding music
Musical language provides tools for reading, understanding and interpreting a score. This knowledge helps recognize how a work is organized and prepare the part to be played.
Training also includes music history, choral practice and content on structures, textures and musical systems.
Band movements and ceremonies
The band close order comprises the regulation movements and displacements performed by its members during formations, parades and ceremonies.
Learning it makes it possible to coordinate musical participation with the presentation and movement guidelines of a military band. It also covers participation in ceremonies for rendering honors to authorities and symbols.
Music technology
Work is done with tools for editing scores and using sound recording resources. These skills make it possible to collaborate with the conductor in the digital preparation of the repertoire.
The work may include both the individual parts, which contain what each musician plays, and the full score, which brings together the different voices or instruments of the work.
Care and maintenance of instruments
Training includes recognizing the parts and functioning of instruments, along with repair and maintenance tasks.
This knowledge makes it possible to identify care needs, perform basic interventions and collaborate in planning maintenance to keep the instruments in usable condition.
What subjects are studied?
The program combines annual and four-month subjects. Instrument practice, musical language and ensemble work continue throughout the five four-month terms.
First year
- Instrument I.
- Ensemble Practice I.
- Music History.
- Language Elements I.
- Choral Practice I.
- English I.
- Music Technology I.
- Band Close Order I.
Music Technology I is taken in the first four-month term and Band Close Order I in the second. The other subjects of the year are annual.
Second year
- Instrument II.
- Ensemble Practice II.
- Music Technology II.
- Language Elements II.
- Choral Practice II.
- Structures, Textures and Systems.
- Band Close Order II.
- English II.
- Instrument Repair and Maintenance.
- History of Argentine Military Music.
Instrument Repair and Maintenance is taken in the first four-month term and History of Argentine Military Music in the second. The rest of the subjects are annual.
Third year: first four-month term
- Instrument III.
- Ensemble Practice III.
- Language Elements III.
- Professionalizing Practice.
The Professionalizing Practice has a workload of 180 hours and is part of the final stage of the degree. It allows you to integrate the knowledge you have acquired with tasks related to professional performance.
What can a graduate do?
The degree prepares you to perform musical and support roles within a Military Band of the Ejército Argentino. Expected skills include:
- Play wind or percussion instruments in rehearsals and performances.
- Perform marches, anthems and works from different musical genres.
- Participate in formations, parades and military and civil ceremonies.
- Apply knowledge of musical language to performance.
- Carry out regulation band movements and participate in the rendering of honors.
- Use sheet music editing and sound recording tools.
- Identify maintenance needs and perform basic instrument care tasks.
- Collaborate in preparing the repertoire and assist the conductor within the responsibilities corresponding to your rank.
What interests and skills are related to this program?
This degree may interest you if you enjoy music and want to pursue that activity within the Ejército Argentino. Sustained practice, attention to instructions and willingness to rehearse with others are part of the learning process.
Band work requires listening, coordinating with others and taking responsibility for preparing your individual part. In turn, the military nature of the training involves learning and respecting the procedures, movements and responsibilities specific to that setting.
How do you apply?
Applications are managed online through the official site of the Escuela de Suboficiales del Ejército “Sargento Cabral”. The procedure reported by the institution includes five stages:
- Generate the payment slip and make the payment for the admission exam fee.
- Complete the form with your personal information, which serves as a sworn statement.
- Upload the requested documentation, such as the image of your DNI and payment receipts. Volunteer soldiers must also submit authorization from their element chief.
- Track the status of your registration through the applicant access, with your username and password.
- Submit any additional information and documents requested by the school to continue the process.
Before getting started, check the admission guide for the relevant application period for the dates, requirements, and documentation you must submit.