Drum Major
SSgt Christopher Miller
Staff Sergeant Christopher L. Miller joined the Marine Corps in 2017 and currently acts as Drum Major with the Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, Louisiana. A native of Stafford, Virginia, he began his musical studies on Euphonium at age 12 and later attended Old Dominium University in Norfolk, Virginia where he studied with Dr Mike Hall.
Upon enlisting in the Marine Corps in May of 2017, SSgt Miller attended recruit training at Recruit Depot Paris Island in South Carolina followed by the Basic Music Course at the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He has since been assigned to the Quantico Marine Corps Band in Quantico, Virginia and the Second Marine Division Band in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, performing in ceremonies, concerts, and public outreach events across the United States and abroad. Upon completing the Unit Leader Course at the Naval School of Music, SSgt Miller was stationed at the Marine Forces Reserve Band in August of 2024.
In January 2025, SSgt Miller assumed his current role as the Drum Major of the Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, LA.
In his current role, SSgt Miller performs with the Concert Band and Ceremonial Band. As Drum Major, he is responsible for leading the band in parades and ceremonies, executing drill and mace commands, and ensuring military precision in all formations. He also serves as key advisor on ceremonial protocol and band operations.
His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd award), the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (2nd award), the National Defense Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.