Master Sergeant David M. Birkby is from Syracuse, NY, went to college in Fredonia, NY, and underwent Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC.
In December of 2002, upon completion of the Basic Music Course, Lance Corporal Birkby reported to the Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band at Kaneohe Bay, HI for duty as a French Horn Instrumentalist. His secondary duties were as the Assistant Instrument Repair Technician, Fireteam Leader, Corporal of the Guard, and Arranger.
In January of 2006, Corporal Birkby reported to the Albany Marine Band in Albany, GA where he served as the French Horn Section Leader and the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the following groups: Brass Quintet, Woodwind Quintet, Transportation, and Maintenance sections. He was also a Featured Soloist, Arranger, and Squad Leader.
In May of 2009, Sergeant Birkby reported to the 1st Marine Division Band on Camp Pendleton, CA and was selected for the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his time at the “Blue Diamond,” SSgt Birkby served as the French Horn Section leader, Assistant Enlisted Conductor, Assistant Small Ensemble Leader, Arranger, and Staff NCOIC of the following: Brass Quintet, Band’s Public Affairs Office, and Music Library.
In November of 2011, Staff Sergeant Birkby volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan and serve as the Foreign Linguist Manager in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Throughout his deployment, SSgt Birkby traveled through the battle zones ensuring that our troops were properly equipped with the necessary linguist personnel.
In January of 2013, Staff Sergeant Birkby reported to the Naval School of Music at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story, VA for the Unit Leader’s Course. Upon completion SSgt Birkby reported to the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing Band in Miramar, CA. There he served as the French Horn Section Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Squadron Lead Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate, Assistant Small Ensemble Leader, Sound Reinforcement Technician, Ceremonial Conductor, Administration Chief, Arranger, and attended the Sound Reinforcement Course.
In September of 2016 Staff Sergeant Birkby reported back to the Naval School of Music for the Senior Musician’s Course. Upon completion in May of 2017, he reported to the 2d Marine Division Band, where he served as the Enlisted Conductor. In February of 2018, SSgt Birkby was selected to for the billet of Small Ensemble Leader and he acted as the Unit’s Staff NCOIC.
In August of 2019 Gunnery Sergeant Birkby reported in to the Quantico Marine Corps Band to serve as their Small Ensemble Leader, Sound Reinforcement Technician, Recording Engineer, and Arranger; he also acted as the Enlisted Conductor and Staff NCOIC. GySgt Birkby was instrumental in keeping the unit musically operational during Covid-19 and OPERATION ALLIES WELCOME.
In September of 2022 Gunnery Sergeant Birkby returned to the Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band to serve as their Small Ensemble Leader, Production Manager, Arranger, and Sound Reinforcement Technician. During this tour he was promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant.
Master Sergeant Birkby is currently a senior at the Berklee Online School of Music majoring in Music Production and Engineering.