Master Gunnery Sergeant Duane F. King is the 40th Drum Major of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. He joined the Marine Band in May 2014.

Master Gunnery Sgt. King began his musical training on trumpet at age 10. After graduating from Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville in 1994, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in Beaufort, S.C. Following recruit training, he attended the basic course at the Armed Forces School of Music in Little Creek, Va., as a trumpet player then received orders to the Marine Corps Band New Orleans in October 1995.

In 2000, Master Gunnery Sgt. King received orders to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band in Twentynine Palms, Calif., then returned to the School of Music where he completed the Ceremonial Conductor/Drum Major course in 2002. After completing the course he reported to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Band and remained there until 2005 when he returned to the Marine Corps Band New Orleans, serving as the drum major.

In June 2010, Master Gunnery Sgt. King was selected to be the Assistant Drum Major of “The President’s Own.” As Assistant Drum Major, he led the band in ceremonial commitments and, as the company gunnery sergeant, he was responsible for unit and new member training. Following his tour as assistant drum major, he returned to the Marine Corps Band New Orleans where he served as drum major.

As Drum Major of “The President’s Own,” Master Gunnery Sgt. King serves as the senior enlisted member of the unit 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 will regularly lead the band in review for U.S. Presidents, heads of state, and international dignitaries.