U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band
Marine Forces Reserve Logo
U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve
New Orleans, Louisiana

01

The Sound of a Hometown Hero

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brandon Tyler Hatmaker, a musician with the Marine Forces Reserve Band, Marine Forces Reserve, tours his hometown of...

02

MFR Band at Lee University

The Marine Forces Reserve Band performs at Lee University in Cleveland, TN during their 2023 Fall Tour in support of the 6th Marine Corps Recruiting...

03

MFR Band at Maple Leaf Festival Parade

The Marine Forces Reserve Ceremonial Band performed at the 57th Annual Maple Leaf Festival Parade in Carthage, Missouri on October 21, 2023.

04

MFR Brass Quintet at USS Kidd

On Thursday, December 7, 2023, the Marine Forces Reserve Brass Quintet performed a ceremony on the USS Kidd in memory of Pearl Harbor. (U.S. Marine...

05

MFR Band at Jefferson Performing Arts Center

On Saturday, December 9, 2023, the Marine Forces Reserve Concert Band performed a Christmas Concert at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center in...

06

MFR Band at Krewe of Poseidon

The Marine Forces Reserve Ceremonial Band performs at the Krewe of Poseidon Mardi Gras Parade in Slidell, Louisiana.

07

MFR Band at Krewe of Titans

The Marine Forces Reserve Ceremonial Band performs at the Krewe of Titans Parade in Slidell, Louisiana.

08

MFR Brass Band at the National Salute to Veteran Patients and Centenarian Veteran Recognition Event

The Marine Forces Reserve Brass Band performs at the National Salute to Veteran Patients and Centenarian Veteran Recognition Event in New Orleans, LA.

09

MFR Band at Houston Rodeo

On Feb. 24, the Marine Forces Reserve Ceremonial Band performed at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Parade.

10

MFR Rock Band at Houston Rodeo

The Marine Forces Reserve Rock Band performs at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Houston, Texas.

 

Marine musicians perform a wide variety of military and civic events such as ceremonies, parades, festivals, public concerts, educational outreach, and professional sporting events. Music support utilizes a variety of ensemble configurations to include wind ensemble, ceremonial band, brass band, jazz combo, popular music group, brass quintet, jazz ensemble, and bugler.

Public & Civic Events

Whether a traditional concert hall, outdoor venue or parade, military band performances must be free and open to the public. Marine Bands may perform at fairs, exhibitions and similar venues with admission fees if the performance is incidental to the primary event and no additional fee is charged to hear the band perform. Additional restrictions may apply. 

Policy and Legal Restrictions
  1. U.S. Military participation does not imply endorsement of the event or the organization hosting the event. The requested information is required to evaluate the event. Please complete all sections.
     
  2. Armed Forces musical units are organized for ceremonial and traditional purposes and to support recruiting activities. However, they may be authorized to provide certain specified presentations, such as patriotic ceremonies for public programs. Armed Forces musical organizations are not permitted to provide entertainment, background, dinner, dance or other social music at public or private events in competition with the customary or regular employment of local civilian musicians. Limited resources permit only one band and/or choir to perform at an event, and the Military Services reserve the right to cancel support to requesters who have scheduled more than one such military unit.
     
  3. Department of Defense (DoD) policies require that Armed Forces participation in public events will be provided at no additional cost to the Government, which means un-programmed costs incurred solely because of participation in or support of an unplanned activity. For example, additional costs to the Government include unplanned travel and transportation, meals and lodging for military personnel away from Government mess, civilian per diem, and overtime pay. Unsolicited contributions of money, personal property, or services (e.g., gifts in kind for lodging, meals, transportation) may be accepted for the benefit of military musical units for events that align with the DoD's mission. All costs are binding after a unit, personnel, or exhibit has arrived at an event site, even though weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances force the event to be cancelled.
     
  4. Requests should be submitted to the appropriate Military Service not less than 30 days in advance of a scheduled program. Final determination will occur no earlier than 90 days in advance. Please realize that all Armed Forces units have specific military missions and training requirements. Participation in public programs will only be authorized when such support is in the best interests of the DoD and the Military Services and does not interfere with mission or training programs. In all cases, operational commitments must take priority and can cause previously scheduled appearances to be cancelled.
Performance Request Process

Start your request for musical support by choosing the appropriate request form below. Send that completed request form to us via email (MFR.Band@usmc.mil). Once received, we will determine whether we can support your request. If your request is approved, a representative from the band will reach out to you for coordination. If your request is denied, you/your organization will receive an email explaining why your request is not eligible to receive support.

Military Request Form
Civilian Request Form

The Marine Forces Reserve Band provides musical support for military ceremonies and other official functions, Marine Corps community relations events, and Marine Corps personnel procurement programs. Each member of the Marine Forces Reserve Band is an active duty Marine and a graduate of Marine Corps Recruit Training and Marine Combat Training, underscoring the motto “Every Marine a Rifleman.”

Marine Forces Reserve Band
2000 Opelousas Avenue
New Orleans, LA.  70114

Commercial: (504) 697-7840
DSN: 647-7840

MFR.Band@usmc.mil

Since November 10, 1775, precision and adaptability have been hallmarks of Marine Corps units. The Marine Forces Reserve Band is no different. The Band is dedicated to excellence and commitment to providing America with a glimpse of Marine Corps’ proficiency and versatility.

The Marine Forces Reserve Band was established October 1, 1978. Under the operational control of the Commander, Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South, the Band is comprised of 51 active duty Marines stationed aboard the Marine Corps Support Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Band supports the Marine Forces Reserve Major Subordinate Commands: Fourth Marine Logistics Group, Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Fourth Marine Division, and Force Headquarters Group as well as Marine Corps Recruiting Command initiatives and national community relation programs.

The Marine Forces Reserve Band travels throughout the United States, performing for millions of people at more than 300 events annually. Previously supported events/locations including Super Bowl XLVII (New Orleans, Louisiana), Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri), Fleet Week New York (New York City, New York), Pro Football Hall of Fame Parade and Enshrinement Ceremony (Canton, Ohio), Country Music Awards Festival (Nashville, Tennessee), Texas State Fair (Dallas, Texas), Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (Houston, Texas), and Fiesta Days Celebration (San Antonio, Texas). The Band has also performed abroad in Brazil, Canada, Italy, and Switzerland.

The Marine Forces Reserve Band is proud to be located in the historic and culturally rich city of New Orleans where we perform year-round in a variety of local events including the world-famous Carnival and Mardi Gras parades, and when we travel throughout the country we take every opportunity to share the spirit of the Big Easy with our audiences.

“Laissez les bon temps rouler!” (Let the Good times Roll!) and “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful).

Marine Day at the Alamo
MFR Ceremonial Band
April 24, 2024 / 11:00 AM
San Antonio, TX

132nd Battle of Flowers Parade
MFR Ceremonial Band
April 26, 2024 / 10:30 AM
San Antonio, TX

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve Band Leaders

U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES RESERVE BAND
Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge

In March of 2022, Master Sergeant Hauser assumed his current role as the Enlisted Bandleader / Staff Non-commissioned Officer In Charge of the Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, LA.

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U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES RESERVE BAND
Enlisted Conductor

In August of 2022, SSgt Wagner reported to Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, Louisiana where he is currently serving as the acting Enlisted Conductor and French horn instrumentalist.

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U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES RESERVE BAND
Drum Major

In July of 2023 Gunnery Sergeant Limbrock assumed his current role as the Drum Major of the Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, LA.

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U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES RESERVE BAND
Production Manager

In March of 2024, Staff Sergeant McElwee assumed his current role as the Production Manager of the Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, LA.

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U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES RESERVE BAND
Instrument Repair Technician

In September, 2022 Gunnery Sergeant Koscheski was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve Band where he currently serves as the Instrument Repair Technician.

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