Master Sergeant Monica Preston currently serves as Enlisted Bandleader, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band. In this capacity she is the Senior Enlisted Advisor and Staff Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (SNCOIC) of the band. She serves as the band’s primary point-of-contact for inquiries and requests for band performances and advises the Director in developing the musical proficiency of the band and in planning and supervising all training, operations, and administrative duties within the band. Master Sgt. Preston leads the band in performance or assists in preparing the band for concerts, parades, and other functions.
Master Sgt. Preston holds a Bachelors in Music Education from University of Akron and received an Advanced Professional Certificate from Berklee Online College of Music.
Master Sgt. Preston enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2005 and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina and Marine combat training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. She completed the Basic Music Course in 2006 at the Armed Forces School of Music in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Master Sgt. Preston served as a clarinet instrumentalist in the following Fleet Marine Bands: Quantico Marine Corps Band (2006–2009); U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band (2009–2012); and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band (2013–2016). Master Sgt. Preston served as a Drum Major in the following Fleet Marine Bands: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band (2017–2019); U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band (2022–2023). Additionally, she served as the Assistant Drum Major for the United States Marine Band, “The President’s Own” (2019–2022). As do all Fleet Marine musicians, Master Sgt. Preston served in a variety of music, collateral duty, and leadership roles, to include Platoon leadership.
Master Sgt. Preston competed in the Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition (2011). She is a Primary Marksmanship Instructor and Combat Marksmanship Coach.
Master Sgt. Preston attended the Unit Leader Course (2013), Senior Musician Course (2016), Audition Trainer’s Course (2023), and is a graduate of the Advanced School Seminar (2021). Her awards include: the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4th Award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd Award).