1st Lt. Jose D. Toranzo was selected as Assistant Director of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in May 2023. He officially assumed duties as Assistant Director and was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant on March 1, 2024.
1st Lt. Toranzo enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2014 after graduating from Coral Gables Sr. High School in Florida. He attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Marine Combat Training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., then reported to the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, Va. In August 2015, he was assigned to the Parris Island Marine Band where he served as a horn instrumentalist, fire team leader, squad leader, guide, section leader, administrative chief, and acting drum major. His primary teacher on horn was Russell Seifter, former principal horn of the Miami Symphony Orchestra.
Following his tour of duty with the Parris Island Marine Band, 1st Lt. Toranzo was selected to attend the Unit Leader Course at the Naval School of Music. After completing the Unit Leader Course in August 2019, he received orders to the 1st Marine Division Band, where he served as squad leader, section leader, drum major, and enlisted conductor.
In November 2021, 1st Lt. Toranzo was selected to serve as the horn instructor for the Navy and Marine Corps music programs at the Naval School of Music. During his time there, he was also rehearsal division instructor. 1st Lt. Toranzo has performed with several ensembles across the Southeast, including the Virginia, Richmond, and Williamsburg Symphonies, and the North Charleston Pops.
As Assistant Director, 1st Lt. Toranzo's responsibilities include conducting the Marine Band and Chamber Orchestra in their winter and spring concert series and summer concerts on the National Mall as well as at ceremonies in the national capital region and at the White House. Additionally, he serves as a supervisor for the acclaimed fall and winter Chamber Music Series, which features the virtuoso musicians of “The President’s Own" in small ensemble settings.