Since November 10, 1775, precision and adaptability have been the hallmarks of all Marine Corps units. Marine Forces Reserve Band is no different. The band is dedicated to excellence and commitment to providing America with a glimpse of the Marine Corps’ proficiency and versatility.
Marine Forces Reserve Band was established October 1, 1978. Under the operational control of the Commanding General, Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, the unit is comprised of active duty Marines stationed aboard the Marine Corps Support Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. The band supports all units of the Fourth Marine Logistics Group, Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Fourth Marine Division, and Force Headquarters Group. Additionally, these Marines are often called upon to perform in support of Marine Corps Recruiting Command initiatives and community relations programs.
Each year, the musicians of the band travel throughout the United States entertaining upwards of 6 million people as they perform in over 280 concerts, parades, and ceremonies. The members of the band are all basically trained riflemen, fulfill all annual Marine Corps physical and combat fitness requirements, participate in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, and, when directed by the Commanding General, can serve as part of a security element in conflicts and exercises around the globe.
With an authorized strength of 50 active duty Marines, the band has performed in many recognized events including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (Houston, Texas), the Fiesta Days Celebration (San Antonio, Texas), the Pro Football Hall of Fame Parade and Enshrinement Ceremony (Canton, Ohio), Fleet Week New York (New York, New York), Super Bowl XLVII (New Orleans, Louisiana), performances in Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri), and most recently, the 2018 Country Music Awards Festival (Nashville, Tennessee). In addition, they performed several times with the Royal Canadian Navy Band in Alberta, Canada, and a premiere concert performance in Alberta.
The band is proud to be located in the historically and culturally significant city of New Orleans. They frequently perform in a variety of local events and, when they travel throughout the country, they take every opportunity to share the spirit of the Big Easy with their audiences.
“Laissez les bon temps rouler!”