An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Marine Band Members
Stage Manager
Master Sgt. Richard Dickerson

Stage Manager Master Sergeant Richard Dickerson of Woodland Hills, Calif., joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in July 2004.

Master Sgt. Dickerson began his musical training at age five. Upon graduating in 1992 from El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills, he joined the United States Marine Corps. In November 1992, following recruit training in San Diego, he reported to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band in El Toro, Calif. After one enlistment, he separated from the Marine Corps to attend the Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore where, in 2000, he received a bachelor of music degree in French horn performance. Gunnery Sgt. Dickerson’s notable instructors include David Bakkegard of the Peabody Conservatory, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra associate principal horn Peter Landgren, also of Peabody Conservatory, and recording artist Barry Tuckwell.

As Stage Manager, Master Sgt. Dickerson is responsible for loading and transporting musical instruments and equipment, setting the stage for performances locally and on tour, managing the stage crew, and maintaining the facilities of “The President’s Own.” In addition to his usual duties he also serves as the band’s Safety Supervisor.

Prior to joining “The President’s Own,” Master Sgt. Dickerson served as a stage crew member and stage manager for the Peabody Conservatory Opera Department from 1996-2003 and assistant stage manager for the Baltimore Opera Company from 2002-2004.