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Drum Major Relief & Appointment - On May 5, 2025, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band conducted a Drum Major Relief and Appointment ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington 8th & I, officiated by Marine Band Director Lieutenant Col. Ryan Nowlin. Master Gunnery Sgt. Duane King was relieved by Master Sgt. Steven Williams, who was appointed the 41st Drum Major of “The President’s Own.”

Drum Major Relief and Appointment

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band’s Drum Major serves as the senior enlisted member of the organization and is responsible for the band’s appearance, ceremonial drill and military decorum. He is charged with directing the band in ceremonial commitments including the Inaugural Parade, and regularly leads the band in review for U.S. Presidents, Heads of State and international dignitaries. The Drum Major’s uniform is unique. He wears a bearskin headpiece and carries a mace, used to signal commands to the musicians. The ornate sash worn across his chest is called a baldric and is embroidered with the band’s crest and the Marine Corps’ battle honors. Fewer than 50 Marines have led “The President’s Own” as Drum Major in its nearly 227-year history, and on May 5, Master Gunnery Sgt. Duane King passed the mace to his successor Master Sgt. Steven Williams and retired after 30 years in the Marine Corps.

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Marine Band Drum Major Master Sgt. Steven Williams - Marine Band Drum Major Master Sgt. Steven Williams

The Marine Band Welcomes its 41st Drum Major

In 2025, Williams, now a Master Sergeant with 23 years of experience as a Marine, gets the chance to live his Marine Corps dream as Drum Major of the United States Marine Band. On May 5, he succeeded Master Gunnery Sgt. Duane King as the 41st Drum Major of “The President’s Own.” “It feels surreal to attain such a prestigious billet with such an historic organization. To be part of the history of ‘The President’s Own’ in this capacity is both exciting and humbling,” Williams said.

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Master Gunnery Sgt. Duane King salutes during a funeral. - Master Gunnery Sgt. Duane King salutes during a funeral.

Marine Band’s 40th Drum Major Reflects on 30 Years of Service

Master Gunnery Sgt. Duane King has experienced his share of interesting assignments while serving as the senior enlisted member of “The President’s Own.” King has been part of thousands of performances in his nearly 11 years as the band’s senior enlisted leader, including leading the band into the studio for the Late Show with David Letterman in 2017, performing for Pope Francis in 2015 and meeting King Charles III while representing the Marine Band at the Mountbatten Festival of Music in 2023.

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4 MAY Concert Graphic - 4 MAY Concert Graphic

"The President's Own" Goes Hollywood for May 4th Concert

Grab your popcorn and enjoy the show as the Marine Band performs a concert “May the 4th Be With You: Marine Band at the Movies.” The performance will take place at 2 p.m. on May 4 at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria, Virginia. The concert is free and open to the public.

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27 APR Graphic - 27 APR Graphic

Chamber Series with 11 Clarinets Plus Brass Symphony

This week, “The President’s Own” concludes its 2025 Winter/Spring Chamber Music Series at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 27. Coordinated by clarinetist Gunnery Sgt. Lewis Gilmore, the concert will take place at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, DC. The concert is free. No tickets are required.

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The graphic reads: Carmen at 150 on April 13 at 2 p.m. at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center - April 13th Concert: Carmen at 150

Carmen at 150 and Wynton Marsalis’ Trumpet Concerto

Join “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band for an action-packed program at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 13 at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center - Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus featuring George Bizet’s renowned and wonderfully dramatic Carmen Symphony. The concert will showcase guest artist Michael Sachs, principal trumpet of the Cleveland Orchestra, performing the Wynton Marsalis Trumpet Concerto.

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Graphic of The Marines' Hymn logo - The 2025 March Mania Winner is The Marines' Hymn

THE MARINES’ HYMN TAKES THE GOLD IN THIS YEAR’S MARCH MANIA COMPETITION

In a nail-biting race to the finish line, The Marines’ Hymn was crowned the victorious winner of Sousa’s 2025 March Mania, and John Philip Sousa’s “Semper Fidelis” walked away in defeat.

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Marine Chamber Orchestra concert April 6, 2025 - Marine Chamber Orchestra concert April 6, 2025

Orchestra to Perform Works by Milhaud and Haydn

This Sunday, the Marine Chamber Orchestra will perform the beloved works of two masters: Darius Milhaud’s remarkable La Création du monde, Opus 81a, and Joseph Haydn’s folk-like and highly original Symphony No. 88 in G, Hob. I:88. The free concert is open to the public and will take place at 2 p.m., April 6, at the Jim Rouse Theatre and Performing Arts Center at Wilde Lake High School in Columbia, Maryland.

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Marine Chamber orchestra Performs for the Opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum - Marine Chamber orchestra Performs for the Opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum

Marine Chamber Orchestra Supports Medal of Honor Museum’s Mission to Inspire

On National Medal of Honor Day, we recognize those who went beyond the call of duty and showed extraordinary courage in the heat of battle. Over this past weekend, the Marine Chamber Orchestra performed at a special dinner event ahead of the National Medal of Honor Museum’s Grand Opening, which takes place today. The museum honors the recipients by telling their stories—their lives, how they grew up, why they joined the military in the first place, and much more with artifacts, family letters, uniforms, flags, the actual medals, and innovative technology recreating the landscape of battlefields.

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Young People's Concert 2025 - Young People's Concert 2025

Children and Families to Enjoy Magic Pearl at Young People’s Concert

This Sunday, the Marine Chamber Orchestra will take the stage to perform this year’s Young People’s Concert titled “Magic Pearl.” The performance will take place at 2 p.m., on March 30 at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria, Va. The concert is free and open to the public.

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Semper Fidelis: USMC 250th Gala - This year as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Marine Corps, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band; "The Commandant's Own," The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps; and the United States Fleet Marine Corps Composite Band will perform together on one stage for the first time in history.

Semper Fidelis: USMC 250th Gala Concert

This year as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Marine Corps, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band; "The Commandant's Own," The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps; and the United States Fleet Marine Corps Composite Band will perform together on one stage for the first time in history.

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