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Marine Band Drum Major William L. Browne
Biography of Marine Band Drum Major William L. Browne

Master Gunnery Sergeant William L. Browne is the 39th Drum Major of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.

Drum Major Browne began his musical training on the trumpet at age 12. After graduating from Fletcher Senior High School in 1985, he attended Florida State University in Tallahassee and enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 1989. During his career, he has performed with the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band, Twentynine Palms, Calif.; the 2nd Marine Division Band, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; the NATO Band, Naples, Italy; and the 1st Marine Division Band, Camp Pendleton, Calif., where he also served as assistant drum major.

Drum Major Browne joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in January 2001 as assistant Drum Major. He was appointed the supply chief in February 2004, and became the band’s Drum Major in August 2007. In this position, he serves as the senior enlisted member of “The President’s Own” and is responsible for the band’s appearance, ceremonial drill, and military decorum. He is charged with directing the band in ceremonial commitments, including the inaugural parade, and regularly leads the band in review for U.S. Presidents, heads of state, and international dignitaries.