Dennis R. Wolfe

Drum Major, Nov. 23, 1994-Nov. 1999

Dennis R. Wolfe served as the 36th Drum Major of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.

Wolfe began trombone instruction at age 8. He graduated from Northern Lebanon High School in Lebanon, Pa., in 1976 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps under the Music Guarantee Program. After completing recruit training at Parris Island, S.C., where he was designated “Honor Graduate” for his platoon, Wolfe was meritoriously promoted to private first class in November 1976.

He studied trombone at the Armed Forces School of Music Basic Course in Norfolk, Va., graduating in June 1977, then transferred to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Band at Parris Island, S.C. There, he was promoted to corporal and meritoriously promoted to sergeant. He remained until December 1981.

After successfully completing the Intermediate Course at the Armed Forces School of Music in January 1982, Wolfe returned to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Band at Parris Island, S.C., to serve as drum major. He was promoted to staff sergeant in April 1984.

In June 1986, he was assigned as drum major for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade Band, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In January 1989, he was assigned as drum major for the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Band, San Diego, Calif., where he was promoted to gunnery sergeant. In July 1992, Wolfe reported to Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, Va., for duty as drum major of the Quantico Marine Band. He was promoted to master sergeant in March 1994.

In April 1994, he auditioned and was selected to serve as the Drum Major of “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band. In 1996, he was promoted to master gunnery sergeant. Personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal; the Navy and Marine Commendation Medal; the Navy and Marine Achievement Medal (2nd award); and the Good Conduct Medal (7th award).