Our mission is to support Marine Forces Reserve by providing a professional quality product at military and civilian events, and training as a security platoon for our combat mission.
Since November 10, 1775, precision and adaptability have been hallmarks of Marine Corps units. The Marine Forces Reserve Band is no different. The Band is dedicated to excellence and commitment to providing America with a glimpse of Marine Corps’ proficiency and versatility. The Marine Forces Reserve Band was established October 1, 1978. Under the operational control of the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South, the Band is comprised of 51 active duty Marines stationed aboard the Marine Corps Support Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Band supports the Marine Forces Reserve Major Subordinate Commands: Fourth Marine Logistics Group, Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Fourth Marine Division, and Force Headquarters Group as well as Marine Corps Recruiting Command initiatives and national community relation programs. The Marine Forces Reserve Band travels throughout the United States, performing for millions of people at more than 300 events annually. Previously supported events/locations including Super Bowl XLVII (New Orleans, Louisiana), Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri), Fleet Week New York (New York City, New York), Pro Football Hall of Fame Parade and Enshrinement Ceremony (Canton, Ohio), Country Music Awards Festival (Nashville, Tennessee), Texas State Fair (Dallas, Texas), Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (Houston, Texas), and Fiesta Days Celebration (San Antonio, Texas). The Band has also performed abroad in Brazil, Canada, Italy, and Switzerland. The Marine Forces Reserve Band is proud to be located in the historic and culturally rich city of New Orleans where we perform year-round in a variety of local events including the world-famous Carnival and Mardi Gras parades, and when we travel throughout the country we take every opportunity to share the spirit of the Big Easy with our audiences. “Laissez les bon temps rouler!” (Let the Good times Roll!) and “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful).
Captain Alex Panos currently serves as Director, Marine Forces Reserve Band. In this capacity he serves as the officer in charge and 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.
Read Biography
Master Sgt. Matthew Phagan serves as the Enlisted Bandleader and Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Marine Forces Reserve 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. Christopher Miller currently serves as the Drum Major of the Marine Forces Reserve 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. Christopher Miller also manages the band’s administration and operations sections.
Staff Sgt. Joseph Tutor currently serves as the Enlisted Conductor of the Marine Forces Reserve 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. Staff Sgt. Joseph Tutor 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. Kyle Elliott currently serves as the Instrument Repair Technician of the Marine Forces Reserve Band. In this capacity he inspects, maintains, and repairs musical equipment. Gunnery Sgt. Kyle Elliott also manages the band’s supply, safety, and fiscal sections.
Gunnery Sgt. Ted McElwee currently serves as the Production Manager of the Marine Forces Reserve Band. In this capacity he is the chief sound engineer, responsible for the recording and sound reinforcement of the band. Gunnery Sgt. Ted McElwee also serves as the band’s digital marketing and communication lead.
U.S. Marine Corps musicians from Marine Forces Reserve Band perform during Marine Day at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, April 30, 2025. Marine Day...
Marine Forces Reserve Band is stationed at Marine Corps Support Facility, New Orleans, LA. The band provides ceremonial music support for Marine...
The Marine Forces Reserve Band and the National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) of Panama Band pose for a group photo after a performance at the Colón Art...
U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Justin Hauser, drum major with the Marine Forces Reserve Band, marches during the Legion of Mars parade, New Orleans,...
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Morgan Poland, flute instrumentalist, poses for a portrait after earning the title, Marine Musician of the Year, Marine Corps...
The Marine Forces Reserve Band marches through the city during the Super Bowl LIX parade, New Orleans, Feb. 8, 2025. The Marine Corps is the lead...
U.S. Marines assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve Band spread Christmas cheer throughout Louisiana from December 7-11, 2024. This Christmas Series...
The U.S. Marine Forces Reserve Band had the opportunity to perform at the Museo Naval Y Maritimo in Valparaiso, Chile, as part of UNITAS 2024. UNITAS...
U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Corps Support Facility, New Orleans, participate in a common skills field exercise at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, April...
U.S. Marine Corps SSgt. Daniel Paxton, tuba instrumentalist, Marine Forces Reserve Band, conducts the concert band at the Happy 3rd of July, City...