About Us

There are ten Marine Corps Fleet Bands in addition to the U.S. Marine Band and the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.  Fleet Marine musicians are trained combat warriors, who have marched with  commands since the inception of the Corps.  Marine Corps Fleet Bands perform at ceremonies, parades, festivals, professional sporting events, concerts, and other public events across the United States and around the world.  Marine Corps Fleet Bands entertain and educate their audiences; inspire patriotism and represent American values through music; and represent the discipline and professionalism of the Marine Corps itself.

History

Musicians were among the first to enlist in the newly formed United States Marine Corps. They were employed to recruit and were active as musicians and warfighters in the seaports along the Atlantic coast.  

In 1798, the US Marine Band was officially established and consisted of 32 drummers and fifers. The remaining Marine musicians were referred to as field musicians, and they were assigned to ships and posts across the Marine Corps.