The Marine Corps is the USA’s “Force in Readiness”. While a Marine Bandsman’s primary job is not combat related, during times of conflict bandsman may be attached to another unit for the purpose of deployment. Every Marine is a basically trained rifleman, and must remain in a condition of readiness to serve the United States of America in the full capacity of a US Marine.

Yes. All Marines, regardless of what job they hold, are required to go to boot camp. Boot camp is in San Diego, CA, and Parris Island, S.C. Training is 13 weeks long.

Yes. The Marine Corps has 10 fleet bands located at Marine Corps installations throughout the United States and Japan, as well as “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and “The Commandant’s Own” United States Drum and Bugle Corps in Washington, D.C.

Our official marines.mil webpage (here) contains updated information about our upcoming performances and tours. While military ceremonies are always private, any other performances by Marine Band New Orleans are always free of charge and open to the public. For the most recent, in-depth information about the band and our commitments, as well as photos, member profiles, and videos, you can also follow us on Facebook (Marine Corps Band New Orleans) and Twitter (@USMCBandNOLA).

Contact your local recruiter to set up an audition and interview with your regional Musician Placement Director.

The Band performs for a wide variety of occasions in several capacities. From military ceremonies and formal events to Mardi Gras parades and balls, the Band has the capabilities to support any type of occasion. Requirements, restrictions, and conditions for our ability to support a commitment can be found at http://www.marforres.marines.mil/GeneralSpecialStaff/MarineCorpsBandNOLA/RequesttheBand.aspx

In our Ceremonial Band, we play for many different civilian and government organizations including ceremonies, parades, and patriotic concerts. Typical programming consists of Sousa style Marches, and Pop tunes. Other genres include Concert Band or Wind Ensemble repertoire from grade IV to grade VI, standard and contemporary jazz with our Jazz groups, and Canadian Brass style music with our Brass Quintets. The type of ensemble provided for any performance is based on the band's operational tempo, the appropriateness of the event, and the desires of the sponsor.

Auditions can take place just about anywhere. Contact your local recruiter or Musician Placement Director for more information.

We frequently perform in and around the New Orleans area, and have supported individual commitments as far away as Florida, Mississippi, and Texas. We are operationally responsible for all USMC Reserve units in the US.

You must contact our Bandmaster. He is the point of contact for all information regarding scheduling the band. He can be reached at 504.697.7846.  More instructions and the Band Request Form are available at http://www.marforres.marines.mil/GeneralSpecialStaff/MarineCorpsBandNOLA/RequesttheBand.aspx

Yes. Pursuing further education is highly encouraged, and tuition assistance is available. Contact your local recruiter for more information.

Yes. You have the option to use your personal instrument, however you will be issued an instrument when you report to the School of Music, as well as when you report to your assigned band.

The Marine Corps is the USA’s “Force in Readiness”. While a Marine Bandsman’s primary job is not combat related, during times of conflict bandsman may be attached to another unit for the purpose of deployment. Every Marine is a basically trained rifleman, and must remain in a condition of readiness to serve the United States of America in the full capacity of a US Marine.