Tuba Player Gunnery Sergeant William Samson of Appleton, Wis., joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in February 2016.

Gunnery Sgt. Samson began his musical training on the tuba at age 11. After graduating in 1999 from Appleton North High School he earned a bachelor’s degree in music performance in 2003 from Lawrence University in Appleton. He continued his studies, earning a master’s degree from Rice University in Houston in 2005 where he studied with Dave Kirk of the Houston Symphony. He is currently working on a doctorate at the University of Houston where he is studying with Mark Barton of the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra and Houston Ballet Orchestra.

Prior to joining “The President’s Own,” he performed with the Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, Houston Ballet Orchestra, the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, and the Paragon Brass Ensemble, all in Houston.

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