As the Eastern Hemisphere’s sole musical representative of the United States Marine Corps, the III MEF Band enjoys a busy schedule filled with performances across Okinawa and throughout the Far East each year. The band capitalizes on this unique position by making it a priority to present community outreach performances and participating in international military band festivals.
On October 1, 1978, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Band of Iwakuni, Japan merged with the 3rd Marine Division Band of Okinawa to create the III Marine Amphibious Force Band. It was assigned to Camp Foster on December 1, 1978, and later re-designated as the III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) Band – the only Expeditionary Force Band and permanently deployed musical unit in the Marine Corps. This distinction represents the band's unique mission: to serve as both a professional military organization and a cultural ambassador representing the United States across the globe. The band proudly serves III Marine Expeditionary Force and its subordinate commands, performing on Marine Corps installations and at public events for millions of people throughout the Indo-Pacific region. From Japan and South Korea to Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, the III MEF Band shares the traditions and spirit of the United States Marine Corps with the world, strengthening international relationships through the universal language of music.
Capt. Randel Metzinger currently serves as director of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. In this capacity he serves as the officer in charge and principal conductor. He manages, administers, and coordinates musical performances, develops budgets and annual operation plans, directs internal operations and training, and supervises the employment of a Marine Corps fleet band.
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Master Sgt. James Holt serves as the enlisted bandleader and senior enlisted advisor for the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. He oversees all training, operations, and administrative functions, while also advising the director on musical development. As the Staff Noncomissioned Officer in Charge (SNCOIC), he is the primary contact for performance requests and inquiries.
Staff Sgt. Peter M. Yurkovich currently serves as the drum major of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. In this capacity he directs, trains, and manages the musical performance of the ceremonial band while on the march and instructs band personnel in drill specific to Marine bands. Staff Sgt. Yurkovich also manages the band’s administration and operations sections.
Gunnery Sgt. Martin Arreola Jr. currently serves as the enlisted conductor of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. In this capacity he assists the director in the musical development of the band and directs, trains, and manages the musical performances of the full band. Gunnery Sgt. Arreola supervises the management and development of the band’s various small ensembles and manages the music library and historical records of the band
Gunnery Sgt. Mathew Medina currently serves as the instrument repair technician of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. In this capacity he inspects, maintains, and repairs musical equipment. Gunnery Sgt. Medina also manages the band’s supply, safety, and fiscal sections.
Gunnery Sgt. Joshua Waldie currently serves as the production manager of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band. In this capacity he is the chief sound engineer, responsible for the recording and sound reinforcement of the band. Gunnery Sgt. Waldie also serves as the band’s digital marketing and communication lead.
Location: Okinawa Convention Center 4 Chome 3-1 Mashiki Ginowan, Okinawa 901-2224, Japan Time: 6:00 p.m. Ensemble: Wind Ensemble Description: Celebrate the end of summer with an unforgettable evening of live music performed by the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band (第3海兵遠征軍音楽隊). From lyrical concert band classics and spirited marches to jazz selections and some of today’s most popular favorites, this program offers something for everyone. Join us on a musical journey featuring works by Julie Giroux, Giuseppe Verdi, Katahj Copley, Yuji Ohno, Aaron Copland, and more—including the beloved Okinawan classic Bashofu. 夏の終わりを、第3海兵遠征軍音楽隊による心に残るライブコンサートで一緒に楽しみませんか. 美しい吹奏楽作品や華やかなマーチ、ジャズやポピュラー音楽まで、幅広いジャンルの音楽をお届けします。ジュリー・ジルー、ジュゼッペ・ヴェルディ、カタージ・コープリー、ユージ・オーノ（大野雄二）、アーロン・コープランドらの作品に加え、沖縄の名曲「芭蕉布（Bashofu）」も演奏予定です。世代を問わずお楽しみいただけるコンサートです. For more informaiton, click here.
Location:
1 Chome-16-1 Yamauchi, Okinawa, 904-0034, Japan
Time: 1:00 p.m. Ensemble: Wind Ensemble Description: The III Marine Expeditionary Force Band will perform American and Okinawan music alongside our partners and allies in the Japan Self-Defense Force Bands for the 3rd Annual Okinawa Defense Bureau Music Festival. Additional information: This concert is free and open to the public. Free parking is available on-site.