GySgt Guin currently serves as Drum Major in the Parris Island Marine Band. He has performed in this capacity since October 2024.
GySgt Guin (ne Pedraza) is a native of Houston, TX. After graduating from Alief Elsik High School in May 2010, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, CA in July 2010.
Upon completion of Recruit Training, he attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, CA, and subsequently reported to the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, VA for training as a Marine Musician.
Upon graduation, LCpl Pedraza was assigned to the Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band in Kaneohe Bay, HI where he served as a Clarinet Instrumentalist. During this tour, he performed across the Pacific area of operations, to include the 2011 World Rugby Cup, the Celebration Tattoo for the King of Tonga, and the Flag Day Ceremony in American Samoa. Within the band he additionally served as Fire Team Leader, Section Leader, and Administrative Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC).
In 2011 he was promoted to Corporal. In 2012 he attended Corporals Course; in 2013, he attended Combat Marksmanship Course and graduated as distinguished High Rifle Shooter.
In January of 2014, Sergeant Guin was promoted and transferred to the Marine Forces Reserve Band where he served as a Clarinet Instrumentalist and Section Leader, Woodwind Section Commander, Operations Chief, Training Chief, and Assistant Drum Major. During his tour, he performed across the Continental United States and in Canada within the Concert Band, Woodwind Quintet, and Brass Band. In addition to his musical duties, Sgt Guin served as Combat Marksmanship Coach, ensuring the annual training and qualification for all the Marines stationed with the Headquarters and Service Battalion and Reserve Marines.
In 2017 he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and re-enlisted for another 4 years. In August 2018, SSgt Guin was selected for the Unit Leaders Course at the Naval School of Music and returned to Virginia Beach, VA. During the 9-month course, he studied advanced conducting and rehearsal techniques, wind band, chamber ensemble and jazz arranging, score study, and traditional mace technique. Upon graduation, SSgt Guin received orders to the Parris Island Marine Band in Parris Island, SC. SSgt Guin reported to the Parris Island Marine Band as Clarinet Instrumentalist. He also served as Woodwind Section Commander, Operations Chief, Assistant Enlisted Conductor and Assistant Drum Major.
In February 2020, he was selected for the NMOS 5521, Drum Major. During the 2020 COVID pandemic, SSgt Guin assisted in the rewriting of all ceremonial drill alongside the Recruit Training Regiment in order to continue with regular Recruit Graduations while observing social distancing procedures. In October 2020, SSgt Guin attended the Combat Marksmanship Trainers Course.
In October 2021, SSgt Guin was selected for duty as Musician Technical Assistant, and reported to the Basic Recruiters Course in San Diego, CA. He graduated in December 2021, and in March 2022, he reported to the 4th Marine Corps District. As the Musician Technical Assistant, SSgt Guin’s responsibilities included conducting auditions for interested musicians, working with high school and college band students, presenting clinics on military music and band performance, and providing information on performance and career opportunities in the Marine Corps Music Program.
In April 2024, GySgt Guin was promoted to his current rank. In September 2024, GySgt Guin returned to the Parris Island Marine Band where he currently serves as Drum Major.
GySgt Guin’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (4th award) and the Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon.