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...

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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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