As a high school student, Master Sgt. Hiram Diaz found his calling during a Marine Band tour concert. That momentous first encounter led him to his current role in “The President’s Own,” serving as an instrumentalist, band leader and inspiring the next generation of young musicians on this year’s National Concert Tour. 

In October 2026, "The President's Own" United States Marine Band will tour from Washington, D.C., to the Southeastern United States, performing free, public concerts across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.   

Each night, audiences will enjoy one of three rotating concert programs, allowing patrons who attend back-to-back concerts to hear a completely different collection of music and soloists. 

Learn more about this year’s National Concert Tour 

Master Sgt. Hiram Diaz, euphonium soloist 

Diaz first heard “The President’s Own” at Miami-Dade County Auditorium during the band’s 2001 National Concert Tour. That Tuesday night’s performance sparked something inside of the young euphonium student. “I was so enchanted by the band that I went to the next concert I could attend later that week. From then on, I knew that was a dream I wanted to achieve.” 

In a full-circle moment, Diaz will live his dream this October, performing a new solo with a personal touch. Diaz said: 

I will be performing a set of variations based on “La Comparsa,” one of Ernesto Lecuona’s most famous melodies. I recently commissioned Dennis Llinás to compose this piece, and I premiered it with Michigan City Municipal Band in July! 

I wanted this piece to pay tribute to my Cuban heritage, and I felt that using works by Ernesto Lecuona, one of my favorite composers, was a great way to do that. I think the audience will especially love the Afro-Cuban rhythms, the lively band accompaniment and the fast-paced euphonium solo.   

Read Master Sgt. Hiram Diaz’s full biography

The band’s regional focus for each year’s tour allows for lasting and meaningful relationship building, with several stops having hosted the Marine Band for decades. Many members of “The President’s Own” were inspired to audition after hearing the band on tour near their hometown. 

While on tour, the United States Marine Band offers free educational clinics to school music programs located near the tour concert locations. 

Learn more about educational opportunities with the Marine Band

Master Gunnery Sgt. Chris Rose, percussion soloist 

Master Gunnery Sgt. Chris Rose will also have the opportunity to relive musical memories from his childhood, performing in two familiar venues on this year’s tour. “I have a real soft spot for Atlanta – I graduated from Chamblee High School and have performed all over the city. I’m really looking forward to seeing some old friends and reliving great moments I had in some of these venues, particularly Symphony Hall.”     

As Percussion Section Commander, Rose is accustomed to leading from the back row in collaboration with his percussion colleagues. For this year’s tour, he’ll bring the drum set to center stage with Jeff Tyzik’s “Riffs.” Rose said about the piece: 

‘Riffs’ explores jazz and commercial styles that culminate into an intense cadenza. The majority of this piece is complete improvisation, which gives the soloist lots of creative freedom. Unlike other pieces on tour, the music is more of a loose guide for the soloist and allows the tune to be slightly different every time.  

Drum set has always been one of my favorite things to play, and I know it will be a special piece that the audience will enjoy – I mean, who doesn’t like a nice loud drum solo!? 

A seasoned touring musician with the band, Rose enjoys getting to play for enthusiastic and supportive audiences across the country. 

Read Master Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Rose’s full biography

Master Sgt. Patrick Morgan, clarinet soloist 

Clarinet students may recognize a solo feature on this year’s tour programs from their own studies. Principal Clarinet Master Sgt. Patrick Morgan will perform Carl Maria von Weber's "Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra," arranged for band accompaniment. 

Weber’s “Concertino” is sure to delight audiences, and Morgan hopes that his feature on the program may inspire the next generation of clarinetists. “It's commonly one of the first major solos learned by high school students, and I thought it would be fun for students in the audience to hear a piece they might actually be working on in their private lessons,” Morgan said. 

Despite its accessibility, this piece provides an opportunity for Morgan to showcase a wide skillset. “Because many of Weber's works are so operatic, it invites a dramatic musical interpretation. I love to play fast and entertaining passages for sure, but my most favorite moments in this piece are the push and pull of the tempo and the collaboration with the conductor and the ensemble.” 

Read Master Sgt. Patrick Morgan’s full biography

Staff Sgt. Hannah Davis, soprano soloist and Concert Moderator 

As Concert Moderator, Staff Sgt. Hannah Davis greets each audience along the National Concert Tour as the voice of the Marine Band. In addition to sharing information about the program, she has the pleasure of introducing her colleagues just before they take the stage to perform a solo. 

In October, Davis will also step into the spotlight for several vocal selections with the band. Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin has programmed a variety of works for soprano soloist: a collection of show tunes by George and Ira Gershwin, John Philip Sousa’s “The Crystal Lute,” and selections from Stephen Schwartz’s Wicked. 

This variety affords Davis the opportunity to connect with fans of varying styles and utilize her wide range of musical training. Davis said:

The three solo pieces span different styles but each fit a unique part of my voice that makes it really beautiful. I connect to them all in different ways, and it’s amazing to be able to express these different characters. I grew up listening to Ella Fitzgerald, I sang musical theatre in high school, and then opera in college. Each piece represents a different stage in my singing journey.

Read Staff Sgt. Hannah Davis’ full biography

The 2026 National Concert Tour begins Friday, October 2nd, visiting 27 cities in seven states across the Southeast. Tickets and more information about this year’s tour can be found here.