The Quantico Marine Band provides support to the deputy commandants of the United States Marine Corps as well as supporting Marine Corps Base Quantico by enhancing morale and creating cultural connections through musical outreach in the national capitol region. Additionally, the band serves as riflemen when directed by the commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Quantico.
Established in 1918, the Quantico Marine Corps Band is one of the oldest professional musical ensembles in the Marine Corps. The band is comprised of a ceremonial band and concert band equipped to provide musical support as directed by the Commandant of the Marine Corps and the Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region-MCB Quantico. In addition, the band maintains a number of small ensembles, including a brass quintet, woodwind quintet, rock/show band, Dixie-land band, and jazz combo. With an authorized strength of one officer and 50 enlisted Marines, the band has performed at many recognized civilian events; including the Super Bowl XLI Pregame Show, the 9/11 Memorials at Carnegie Hall and the Town Arts Theatre, Times Square, the Macy’s Thanksgiving and Columbus Day Parades in New York City, numerous consecutive appearances at The Virginia International Tattoo, and the Opening Ceremony for the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The band has also performed at the Winter Garden of the World Financial Center overlooking Ground Zero. As well as musical support, the members of the band also fulfill their duties as Marine Riflemen. In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, 17 members of the band were attached to Task Force National Capitol Region and deployed conducting combat operations. The Quantico Marine Corps Band has received numerous military and civilian citations, letters of commendation and letters of appreciation. The group entertains audiences performing classic to contemporary pieces at more than 350 performances annually across the Eastern Seaboard, covering more than 50,000 miles.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Andres Navarro currently serves as director of the Quantico Marine 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. Steven Santiago-Ramos serves as the enlisted bandleader and senior enlisted advisor of the Quantico Marine Corps 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.
Gunnery Sgt. William Fariss currently serves as the drum major of the Quantico Marine 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. Gunnery Sgt. Fariss also manages the band’s administration and operations sections.
Gunnery Sgt. Eric Potter currently serves as the enlisted conductor of the Quantico Marine 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. Potter supervises the management and development of the band’s various small ensembles and manages the music library and historical records of the band.
Staff Sgt. Benjamin Callihan currently serves as the instrument repair technician of the Quantico Marine Band. In this capacity he inspects, maintains, and repairs musical equipment. Staff Sgt. Callihan also manages the band’s supply, safety, and fiscal sections.
Master Sgt. William Pierce currently serves as the production manager of the Quantico Marine Band. In this capacity he is the chief sound engineer, responsible for the recording and sound reinforcement of the band. Master Sgt. Pierce also serves as the band’s digital marketing and communication lead.
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