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Dennis R. Burian
Biography of Marine Band Assistant Director Dennis R. Burian


Joined Sept. 3, 1969 as a clarinetist
Assistant Director Nov. 28, 1988-Sept. 14, 2001

Dennis R. Burian has served “The President’s Own” for more than 30 years as a clarinetist, Operations Chief, Operations Officer, Assistant Director, Executive Officer, National Tour Director, and Head, Marine Band Public Affairs Branch.

Burian began clarinet instruction at age 10. After graduating from William Allen High School in Allentown, Pa., in 1966, he studied at West Chester University in West Chester, Pa. He continued his education at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music. There, he studied clarinet with Loren Kitt of the National Symphony Orchestra. He has also studied conducting with Anthony Maiello of George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.

Burian joined the Marine Band in 1969 as a clarinetist. He was appointed Operations Chief in 1977 and Operations Officer in 1987, coordinating the band’s commitments and serving as the band’s liaison with the White House. A year later, he was appointed Assistant Director of “The President's Own.”

In 1996, he was appointed senior Assistant Director and Executive Officer and promoted to major. In addition to conducting the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra for presidents, Burian has performed at the White House with numerous celebrities, including Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis, Jr. He is a member of the prestigious Gridiron Club and the Military Order of the Carabao.

After retiring from the Marine Band, Burian became the Marine Band’s National Tour Director in July 2002. In March 2005, he was selected to the position of Head, Marine Band Branch at the Headquarters, United States Marine Corps’ Public Affairs section.