An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Marines

Unit HomeAboutMembers

Marine Band Members
Master Sergeant Alan Prather, "The President's Own" United States Marine Band Guitarist, Official Portrait
Download High res photo
Guitar
Master Gunnery Sgt. Alan Prather

Guitarist Master Gunnery Sergeant Alan Prather of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in July 1999.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Prather began his musical training on the guitar at age 8. After graduating in 1986 from Cuyahoga Falls High School, he attended the University of Akron (UA) in Ohio where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music education in 1991. In 2012, he earned his master’s degree in music education from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. His instructors included Dean Newton and Robert Fraser of UA.

Prior to joining “The President’s Own,” he taught instrumental music in Nordonia Hills City School District in Ohio and freelanced with various ensembles.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Prather is a frequent soloist who leads, performs, and sings with a variety of Marine ensembles, including Free County, the Marine Jazz Orchestra, and the Marine Combo.

PRINT