BRASS BAND
The Brass Band is one of the most energetic groups within the band. This sometimes loud but always up-beat group is well-known for displaying their individual talents through soloing and improvisation. Their style is drawn straight from the musical influences of downtown New Orleans’ Dixieland Jazz. The ensemble consists of trumpets, saxophones, trombones, a tuba, and various percussion instruments. The Brass Band requires no amplification and is a highly mobile ensemble, perfect for playing in such settings as festivals, parades, and outdoor concerts. Noteworthy Brass Band performances include participating in the Houston Rodeo, New Orleans Saints pre-game and half-time performances, participation in annual New Orleans Mardi Gras events, and international military and civic events.
BRASS QUINTET
Marine Forces Reserve Band Brass Quintet consists of two trumpets, a horn, a trombone, and a tuba. This quintet frequently tours the United States, playing at various military ceremonies, civic events, and educational venues in support of our community relations mission. With unmatched diversity, this ensemble performs patriotic, classical, and contemporary literature. Noteworthy Brass Quintet performances include the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange; NBC’s “Today” show; Annual Memorial Day and Iwo Jima performances in WWII Museum New Orleans; Pearl Harbor Memorial aboard USS Kidd; and appearances on CNN and the Fox News Channel, and the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.
CEREMONIAL BAND
The Ceremonial Band is the most traditional and versatile of the band’s ensembles, and as such, is the most frequently requested musical unit. Whether marching in hometown parades, military ceremonies, or patriotic openings for professional sporting events, the Ceremonial Band utilizes its assorted repertoire to entertain hundreds of thousands of spectators yearly. This ensemble performs a wide range of selections, from marches and jazz standards to pop tunes and rock and roll classics. Notable Ceremonial Band performances include participation in annual New Orleans Mardi Gras events; International Military joint performances; pre-race ceremony NASCAR AAA 500 in Fort Worth, Texas; pre-game patriotic and half-time events in Arrowhead Stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs; and multiple New Orleans Saints pre-game and half-time performances.
CONCERT BAND
The Concert Band utilizes every musician in the unit, making it the largest ensemble of the band. From Gustav Holst to John Williams, the Concert Band performs a variety of contemporary and traditional wind band literature, orchestral transcriptions, pop arrangements, and marches. This ensemble travels frequently across the country performing many concerts for communities and educational institutions. Noteworthy performances include Fiesta Days Celebration concert at the historic Alamo in San Antonio, Texas; annual patriotic performances at the WWII Museum in New Orleans, the Battle of the Atlantic ceremony in Calgary, Canada; and the annual Toys for Tots Christmas Production Tour.
JAZZ COMBO
The Jazz Combo features a group of dynamic musicians performing everything from traditional standards and bebop to smooth jazz and Latin. Performing at numerous official and community events, this group brings to life the music of some of America’s greatest songwriters and composers. They present works from artists like Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, Freddie Hubbard, Chick Corea, and Carlos Jobim. The Jazz Combo’s most notable performances include the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Dedication in Little Rock, Arkansas; performing at Sousa Hall, Marine Barracks 8th & I in Washington, DC; and featured performances at the National Jazz Historical Park and “Music in the Mint” in New Orleans.
ROCK BAND
One of most popular ensembles in the Marine Forces Reserve Band is our Rock Band. The Rock Band is comprised of keyboard, drum set, electric guitar, bass guitar, various wind instruments, and vocalists. The ensemble’s repertoire includes a wide variety of genres such as classic rock, “pop” music, country western, and radio “Top 40” tunes. The Rock Band’s noteworthy performances include the Houston Rodeo and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
WOODWIND QUARTET
Marine Forces Reserve Band Woodwind Quintet is comprised of a flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon. The quintet performs for many retirement ceremonies for Marine Forces Reserve, civic events, and provides pre-concert performances for many Concert Band commitments. The Woodwind Quintet is available for a wide variety of commitments, including military ceremonies and educational clinics. Performances of note include the Vietnam Moving Wall Memorial Ceremony in Kenner, Louisiana; a performance at the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana; and most recently a recruiting tour in Massachusetts.