U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band

MARFORRES LOGO WITH TRANSPARENT BACKGROUND
U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve
New Orleans, Louisiana

01

Super Bowl LIX Parade

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...

02

Marine Forces Reserve Band Spreads Christmas Cheer

U.S. Marines assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve Band spread Christmas cheer throughout Louisiana from December 7-11, 2024. This Christmas Series...

03

Marine Forces Reserve Band Spreads Christmas Cheer

U.S. Marines assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve Band spread Christmas cheer throughout Louisiana from December 7-11, 2024. This Christmas Series...

04

Fall Tour at UW-Madison

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Justin Hauser, Enlisted Bandleader, Marine Forces Reserve Band, presents Dr. Corey Pompey with a Certificate of...

05

UNITAS 24: MFR Band performs in Valparaiso, Chile.

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...

06

Washington D.C. Mardi Gras Royalty Announcement

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Noah Causey, trumpet instrumentalist, Marine Forces Reserve Band, solos at the Washington D.C. Mardi Gras Royalty...

07

Independence Day Concert

U.S. Marine Corps SSgt. Daniel Paxton, tuba instrumentalist, Marine Forces Reserve Band, conducts the concert band at the Happy 3rd of July, City...

08

Marine Day at the Alamo

U.S. Marine Corps Musicians from Marine Forces Reserve Band performed outside the Alamo in support of Marine Day at the Alamo, San Antonio, Texas,...

09

Winona Steamboat Days Grande Parade

U.S. Marine Corps Musicians from Marine Forces Reserve Ceremonial Band performed at the 77th Annual Winona Steamboat Days, Winona, Minnesota, June...

10

Bandmembers Train for Combat Readiness

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Corps Support Facility, New Orleans, participate in a common skills field exercise at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, April...

 

Click any column header to sort table data.
DateTimeEvent NameLocationDetailsWebsite
2/14/20256:30 PMKrewe of Titans ParadeSlidell, LACeremonial BandWebsite
2/15/20256:00 PMKrewe of Poseidon Mardi Gras ParadeSlidell, LACeremonial BandWebsite
2/21/20256:00 PMKrewe of Cleopatra ParadeNew OrleansCeremonial BandWebsite
2/22/202510:00 AMLegion of Mars Mardi Gras ParadeNew OrleansCeremonial BandWebsite
2/23/20254:00 PMKrewe of Atlas Mardi Gras ParadeMetairie, LACeremonial BandWebsite
2/26/20256:15 PMMystic Krewe of Druids Mardi Gras ParadeNew OrleansCeremonial BandWebsite
3/1/20254:00 PMKrewe of Endymion ParadeNew OrleansCeremonial BandWebsite
3/2/202512:00 PMKrewe of Thoth ParadeNew OrleansCeremonial BandWebsite
3/3/20256:00 PMKrewe of Orpheus ParadeNew OrleansCeremonial BandWebsite

 

Performance Request Process
Military Request Form
Civilian Request Form

 

To request Marine Forces Reserve Band, complete the following:

1. Complete a military request form or civilian request form

2. Submit the completed request form to MFR.Band@usmc.mil

Once the form is received and reviewed, a representative from the band will reach out regarding the request.

Public & Civic Events

Marine musicians perform a wide variety of military and civic events such as ceremonies, parades, festivals, public concerts, educational outreach, and professional sporting events. Music support utilizes a variety of ensemble configurations to include wind ensemble, ceremonial band, brass band, jazz combo, popular music group, brass quintet, jazz ensemble, and bugler.

Whether a traditional concert hall, outdoor venue, or parade, military band performances must be free and open to the public. Marine Bands may perform at fairs, exhibitions, and similar venues with admission fees if the performance is incidental to the primary event and no additional fee is charged to hear the band perform. Additional restrictions may apply. 

Policy and Legal Restrictions

1. U.S. Military participation does not imply endorsement of the event or the organization hosting the event. The requested information is required to evaluate the event. Please complete all sections.
2. Armed Forces musical units are organized for ceremonial and traditional purposes and to support recruiting activities. However, they may be authorized to provide certain specified presentations, such as patriotic ceremonies for public programs. Armed Forces musical organizations are not permitted to provide entertainment, background, dinner, dance or other social music at public or private events in competition with the customary or regular employment of local civilian musicians. Limited resources permit only one band and/or choir to perform at an event, and the Military Services reserve the right to cancel support to requesters who have scheduled more than one such military unit.
3. Department of Defense (DoD) policies require that Armed Forces participation in public events will be provided at no additional cost to the Government, which means un-programmed costs incurred solely because of participation in or support of an unplanned activity. For example, additional costs to the Government include unplanned travel and transportation, meals and lodging for military personnel away from Government mess, civilian per diem, and overtime pay. Unsolicited contributions of money, personal property, or services (e.g., gifts in kind for lodging, meals, transportation) may be accepted for the benefit of military musical units for events that align with the DoD's mission. All costs are binding after a unit, personnel, or exhibit has arrived at an event site, even though weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances force the event to be cancelled.
4. Requests should be submitted to the appropriate Military Service not less than 30 days in advance of a scheduled program. Final determination will occur no earlier than 90 days in advance. Please realize that all Armed Forces units have specific military missions and training requirements. Participation in public programs will only be authorized when such support is in the best interests of the DoD and the Military Services and does not interfere with mission or training programs. In all cases, operational commitments must take priority and can cause previously scheduled appearances to be cancelled.

Military Request Form
Civilian Request Form

MISSION

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.

HISTORY

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).

Email

MFR.band@usmc.mil

Phone

Commercial: (504) 697-7840

DSN: 647-7840

Mailing AddresS

Marine Forces Reserve Band
2000 Opelousas Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70114


U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band Leaders

Portrait of Captain Alex Panos
Captain Alex Panos
Officer in Charge

Captain Alex J. Panos serves as the Director and Officer in Charge of the Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans,

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Portrait of Warrant Officer Aaron K. Carpenter
Warrant Officer Aaron K. Carpenter
Assistant Director

Warrant Officer Aaron K. Carpenter currently serves as the Assistant Director of Marine Forces Reserve Band.

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Portrait of Master Sergeant Justin A. Hauser
Master Sergeant Justin A. Hauser
Enlisted Bandleader & Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge

In March of 2022, Master Sergeant Hauser assumed his current role as the Enlisted Bandleader and Staff Non-commissioned Officer In Charge of the Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, LA.

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Portrait of Master Sergeant Matthew L. Koscheski
Master Sergeant Matthew L. Koscheski
Instrument Repair Technician

In September, 2022 Master Sergeant Koscheski was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve Band where he currently serves as the Instrument Repair Technician.

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Portrait of Sgt Morgan Poland
Sgt Morgan Poland
Drum Major

In January 2025, Sgt Poland assumed her current role as the Drum Major of the Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, LA.

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Portrait of Staff Sergeant Daniel Paxton
Staff Sergeant Daniel Paxton
Enlisted Conductor

Staff Sergeant Daniel Paxton is currently serving as Enlisted Conductor for Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band, New Orleans.

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Portrait of Gunnery Sergeant Ted McElwee
Gunnery Sergeant Ted McElwee
Production Manager

In March of 2024, Gunnery Sergeant McElwee assumed his current role as the Production Manager of the Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, LA.

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