Washington, DC -- In the summer of 2017, then-Gunnery Sgt. Stacie Crowther led the Marine Band as the first female Assistant Drum Major for “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. She had auditioned for and won the position in Fall 2016 and reported for duty in March 2017. Now as a Master Sergeant, Crowther will move on to a new role: Bandmaster for the Quantico Marine Band.
Crowther made history as the first female Drum Major in the Marine Band’s 221 years of existence. This distinction was highlighted on a number of occasions in conjunction with barracks-wide initiatives, including multiple events surrounding the 100th anniversary of women in the Marine Corps. Of particular note was serving as conductor for the musical premiere of Marine Band Assistant Director Captain Ryan J. Nowlin’s newly-written march, “A Century of Service,” which was performed at the Evening Parade that commemorated this centennial of service. As Assistant Drum Major, she led the band on numerous occasions, including 135 Full Honors Funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, 23 Friday Evening Parades at Marine Barracks Washington, 33 Enhanced Cordons and other special ceremonies, and 22 patriotic openers at venues throughout the National Capital Region.
In addition to her conducting and ceremonial duties as Assistant Drum Major, she was responsible for unit and new member training as the company gunnery sergeant. She trained 16 new members of the Marine Band, instructing them on history and traditions, customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, uniform appearance, request mast procedures, UCMJ, and leadership to new members of the band.
During a “Playoff Ceremony” on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, Marines at Marine Barracks Washington saluted smartly while Crowther and four other Marines were honored as they completed their tour of duty at the oldest post of the Marine Corps. The unique ceremony gave officers and Staff Non-Commissioned Officers at the Barracks the opportunity to say a final farewell following a performance of musical selections including The Marines’ Hymn and “Auld Lang Syne.” On Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, Crowther led her final Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington. She conducted The Crosley March by Henry Fillmore and marched in front of the Marine Band as she has done for three summers.
On Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, Crowther received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for meritorious service while serving as Assistant Drum Major and Company Gunnery Sergeant of the Marine Band.
“Throughout her tour of duty, Master Sgt. Crowther has never shied away from taking on any opportunity to contribute,” said Assistant to the Executive Director Maj. Douglas R. Burian. “She has displayed a can-do attitude, volunteer spirit, and willingness to do anything required, no matter the subject matter. She has left an indelible mark on the Marine Band.”