Joined June 1968 as a clarinetist
Assistant Director Aug. 23, 1979-July 11, 1996
Director July 11, 1996-July 18, 2004

Twenty-sixth Director of “The President’s Own” Timothy W. Foley led the United States Marine Band into its third century of service to the President of the United States and the United States Marine Corps. Foley was a strong and visionary leader for “The President’s Own,” lifting the organization to new heights in terms of its musical and ceremonial reputation. His skills as a musician and conductor are among the greatest ever witnessed by the organization, and were exceed only by his modesty and unwavering commitment to excellence. Foley’s dedication to the Marine Band and commitment to advancement through musical versatility and diverse repertoire are evident in the present-day distinction of the men and women of “The President’s Own.”

Foley began his musical career on the clarinet. He studied with Anthony Gigliotti of The Philadelphia Orchestra while attending high school in his hometown of Berwick, Pa. Following graduation, Foley studied at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio. During that time he was a member of the American Wind Symphony Orchestra in Pittsburgh.

Foley enlisted in the Marine Corps and reported to “The President’s Own” at historic Marine Barracks at 8th and I Streets in southeast Washington, D.C., in June 1968. He served as a clarinetist for 11 years, until he was named Assistant Director in 1979 and commissioned a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps. Seventeen years later, on July 11, 1996, the band’s 198th birthday, then-Major Foley was designated Director of “The President’s Own.”

Foley retired July 17, 2004, after serving as the band's Director for eight years.