Horn Player Master Sergeant Douglas Quinzi of Las Cruces, N.M., joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in October 2004 and was appointed assistant principal in May 2018.

Master Sgt. Quinzi began his musical instruction at age 12. Upon graduating in 1997 from Las Cruces High School, he attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where in 2002 he earned a bachelor’s degree in music education. In 2004, he earned a master’s degree in French horn performance from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD). His horn instructors have included Nancy Joy of New Mexico State University, Gregory Miller of UMD, and Martin Hackleman, formerly of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C.

Prior to joining “The President’s Own,” Master Sgt. Quinzi performed with the Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra, was a finalist in the 2000 International Horn Society Competition, and was a freelance musician in the Washington, D.C., area.

Master Sgt. Quinzi performs with the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra at the White House, in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and across the country during the band’s annual concert tour.