Percussionist Master Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Rose of Atlanta, Ga., joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in October 1997. He was named assistant principal percussionist in February 2001 and combo section commander in 2015.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Rose began his musical training at age 10. Upon graduating from Chamblee High School in Chamblee, Ga., in 1986, he attended Rice University in Houston where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music both in 1991. His percussion instructor was Richard Brown. He has also studied with John Lawless, formerly of the Knoxville Symphony in Tennessee, and Steve Hemphill of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.

Prior to joining “The President’s Own,” he served as an extra with both the Houston Symphony and New York City Opera. Additionally, he performed for five years with Andy Williams at his Moon River Theater in Branson, Mo.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Rose 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. He is a frequently featured soloist and has performed Joseph Schwantner’s Percussion Concerto on numerous occasions, including for The Midwest Clinic in 2004, and the Marine Band’s 2001 performance at the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) conference in Lucern, Switzerland. He was a featured tour soloist in 2018, performing Riffs by Jeff Tyzik, and in 2007, performing William Childs’ Percussion Concerto. In 2009, he performed Jennifer Higdon’s Percussion Concerto at WASBE in Cincinnati. He has also performed Michael Colgrass’ Déjà vu.