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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Summer Blast Off! 2025 - Summer Blast Off! 2025 Concert Graphic

Summer Blast Off!

WASHINGTON – Kick off summer with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band at Summer Blast Off!, a Memorial Day weekend concert.

Summer concert series starts now - Summer concert series starts now

Summer Starts Here: Free Marine Band Concerts

Summer starts here! Maximize the fun this season with free, outdoor concerts with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. Starting June 4th, the Marine Band will perform a series of concerts on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at notable venues throughout the DMV, including the U.S. Capitol West Steps, Glen Echo park, National Museum of the Marine Corps, Sylvan Theater and the grounds of the Washington Monument.

Marine Band members perform at the National Museum of the Marine Corps - Marine Band members perform at the National Museum of the Marine Corps

Marine Band Production Staff Construct America’s Soundtrack for the National Museum of the Marine Corps

Since 2009, patrons at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia have experienced the sound of “The President’s Own” through an audiovisual exhibit incorporating the band’s renditions of some of its most iconic repertoire. In 2025, the Marine Band was asked to re-record these pieces for a new iteration of the exhibit, refreshing the experience for the next generation of museum visitors.

Summer Concert on Aug. 23 at 7:30 PM - Summer Concert on Aug. 23

Summer String Soiree

Join “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 23 for an evening of delightful string music!

Marine Band in Concert - Marine Band in Concert

Marine Band Gets the Show on the Road for Tour 2025

In 1891, 17th Marine Band Director John Philip Sousa took “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band on its first tour after President Benjamin Harrison gave permission to take the band outside of Washington, D.C. That year, the band traveled to 32 cities in New England and the Midwest, beginning a tradition of national concert tours that continues today.

United States Marine Band