The History of Marine Band San Diego
For over 90 years, Marine Band San Diego has thrilled countless thousands throughout the country with its inspiring renditions of patriotic music, classical literature, Big Band and Top 40 favorites, and, of course, the marches of John Philip Sousa.
The earliest photographic history of a Marine Band in San Diego dates back to 1915 when the 4th Marine Regiment Band was posted at Balboa Park. Over the next thirty years, as the mission of the Marine Corps‟ presence in San Diego changed, the band‟s title also changed to reflect its role
aboard the base. Then, in 1948, when the base was officially recognized as Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, the band was given the title Marine Corps Recruit Depot Band.
In recent years, to better identify with the missions of recruiting and public relations in San Diego and the Western United States, the band‟s title was updated to Marine Band San Diego. Since this change, the band has developed an outstanding reputation for presenting the finest in military
music.
The fifty Marines of the band perform in seven different ensembles: concert band, marching band, brass quintet, woodwind quintet, jazz combo, contemporary music ensemble, and party band.
Marine Band San Diego performs at military and civilian ceremonies and provides honors for visiting dignitaries.
In order to encourage music education and aid in the recruiting of new musicians, the band is active in providing clinics and concerts for high school and college students throughout Southern California serving as a musical role model for developing musicians.
Among the band‟s most popular performances are the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, Holiday Bowl Parade, and annual summer and winter concerts. The band also appears at various professional sporting events such as San Diego Chargers and Padres home games. The band has performed for some of Hollywood‟s biggest stars, including former California Governor Arnold Schwarzennegger and Academy Award Winner Jon Voight. Recent appearances include the Rock and Roll Marathon and the Northern California Scottish Highland Games. Altogether, the band performs over 575 commitments each year.
Marine Band San Diego is under the leadership of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Stephanie Wire, Band Officer, and Gunnery Sergeant Devon Van, Bandmaster.