How many people are in “The President’s Own”?
“The President’s Own” consists of:
- 5 Officers
- 1 Drum Major
- Approximately 130 Musicians
- 22 full-time professional support staff
These Marine Band personnel are enlisted in the United States Marine Corps under Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 5511 (Member, U.S. Marine Band). Marine Band commissioned and warrant officers serve under MOS 5505 and 5506.
Marines from different MOS fields within the Fleet Marine Forces also are assigned to “The President’s Own” in the following fields:
- Assistant Drum Major (MOS 5521)
- Administration (MOS 0121, 0151)
- Stage Crew (MOS 0311)
- Supply (MOS 3043)
These Marines are assigned to “The President’s Own” for their tour of duty at Marine Barracks Washington in Washington, D.C.
To meet the members, click here!
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How does one become a member?
"The President’s Own" recruitment differs from general United States Marine Corps recruitment, and is independent from the Marine Corps Music Program.
Performing vacancies are announced by “The President’s Own” through:
- The International Musician (trade journal)
- Direct mail to national and international music schools
- The Marine Band’s bimonthly newsletter NOTES
- The Marine Band career information web page
Professional support staff vacancies are announced in:
- Newspapers and online career sites
- Other professional trade journals
- The Marine Band newsletter and website
To begin the application process, prospective members must:
- Request an audition or application packet from the Marine Band Operations Office
- Submit an application and résumé
- Review requirements and travel to Marine Barracks Washington (at own expense) to audition or interview
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Auditions
For more career information, click here!
To ensure musicians are selected based on performance ability, applicants remain anonymous to the Marine Band selection committee by auditioning behind a screen. Once selected to advance to a final round, the musician is formally interviewed to ensure he or she meets the physical and mental criteria for enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corps, and the ability to obtain the required top-secret security clearance with category III White House access.
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Interviews
For more career information, click here!
Applicants for professional positions undergo an extensive formal interview process as well as a screening for physical and mental fitness. Applicants also participate in a security screening to assure ability to obtain the required top-secret White House security clearance.
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Are the musicians members of the U.S. Marine Corps?
Yes. Marines of “The President’s Own” take the same oath, enlist for the same initial four-year term, are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, receive the same pay and allowances, and adhere to the same height and weight standards as other enlisted Marines of their grade.
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Why are members enlisted as Staff Sergeants (Grade E-6)?
Because of the many years invested in their musical education, members of “The President’s Own” enlist in the Marine Corps already trained to perform at the high level of skill required. It would be difficult for the Marine Corps to recruit individuals who possess such expertise (many hold bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in their field) at salaries dramatically lower than what they could be expected to earn in the private sector.
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What is the highest rank that members may attain?
Master Gunnery Sergeant (Grade E-9) is the highest rank received by members of “The President’s Own,” however, exceptional individuals sometimes have the opportunity to assume leadership positions within the organization. Through appointment to the offices of Director, Assistant Director, Executive Assistant to the Director, and Operations Officer, these outstanding members may receive officer candidacy.
To meet the Marine Band leadership, click here!
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Why aren’t members sent to recruit training (boot camp)?
The Marine Band’s primary mission is to perform for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. After passing a rigorous audition, much like those of professional symphony orchestras, new members go through the enlistment process at their local recruiter’s office. Upon enlistment, new members report directly to “The President’s Own.” Before performing with the band, new members undergo a six week training period taught by the Assistant Drum Major that covers military customs and courtesies, ceremonial drill, uniform regulations and all essential military subjects. Unlike the other musical organizations in the Marine Corps, “The President’s Own” has no secondary tactical or combat mission.
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Does the Marine Corps have other musical units?
Yes. “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps located at Marine Barracks Washington, and 10 standard Marine Corps bands located at Marine Corps installations in the United States and Japan, exist as a part of the Marine Corps Music Program.
For more information about the Marine Corps Music Program, call the Headquarters Marine Corps Music Section (PAC-20) at (703) 614-1034.
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How do members of “The President’s Own” learn about military courtesies/etiquette if they don’t go to recruit training?
Upon arrival at Marine Barracks Washington,
newly recruited members undergo a period of military instruction taught by the band’s Assistant Drum Major. Lasting six weeks, the period of instruction includes military customs and courtesies, ceremonial drill, uniform regulations, and all essential military subjects.
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When did women become members of “The President’s Own”?
The first woman was enlisted on May 16, 1973. Today, about one third of the members are women.
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Why do members of “The President’s Own” have to be American citizens?
An individual must be a U.S. citizen in order to obtain the top secret security clearance with category III White House access that is a prerequisite for duty with “The President’s Own.”
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What is the musician’s schedule like?
Musicians perform at many varying times throughout the year.
Many commitments occur in the evening and on holidays and weekends, requiring musicians of “The President’s Own” to have flexible schedules. Musicians are required to be on-call daily in the event of last minute schedule changes and White House requests.
“The President’s Own” presents a regular concert season with more than 500 public performances in the Washington, D.C., area, and across the nation during the annual concert tour. Rehearsals typically are scheduled around weekly commitments and usually occur on weekday mornings at the John Philip Sousa Band Hall located at the Marine Barracks Annex and Marine Band Support Facility in southeast Washington, D.C. Musicians also require individual practice time in order to maintain their performance skills, and typically practice up to several hours each day. Custom-designed rehearsal spaces also are located at the John Philip Sousa Band Hall for use by the Marine Band members.
About 75 Marine Band members participate each year in the annual fall concert tour, presenting 30 concerts in 32 days, in cities across the country. These musicians, alongside the Director, Assistant Director, stage manager, stage crew, and audio technician, travel continuously from early October to late November, returning to Marine Barracks Washington just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.
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Did Colonel Michael Colburn perform in the band before becoming Director?
Yes. Colonel Colburn joined the Marine Band in 1987 as a euphonium player and became a frequent soloist and conductor of chamber ensembles. He was appointed Assistant Director in 1996 and Director on July 17, 2004.
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Do other military musicians perform at the White House?
Yes. “The President’s Own”, however, is the only military organization whose primary mission is to provide music for the President of the United States.
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Do the musicians march?
Yes. The Marine Band marches in the Evening Parades held Fridays during the summer at Marine Barracks Washington, funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, inaugural parades, Pentagon arrival ceremonies, State Funerals, and other events of national or international significance.
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How long do most people stay in “The President’s Own”?
Roughly 60% of “The President’s Own” members are career Marines who remain for 20 years or more.
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Where do members live?
Members live off base in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
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How can I find out more about the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps?
To find out more about "The Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, please call (202) 433-6461 or visit http://drumcorps.mbw.usmc.mil/.
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How can I find out more about the United States Marine Silent Drill Platoon?
To find out more about the United States Marine Silent Drill Platoon, please call (202) 433-4173 or visit http://www.mbw.usmc.mil/sdpdefault.asp.
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