Welcome to the unofficial myspace for "The Commandant's Own," The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.
The Marine Barracks in Washington, DC, is home to the finest musical and marching organization in our country today: "The Commandant's Own," The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. Founded in 1934, this military unit has developed great worldwide recognition and demand for their extraordinary expressions in brass, percussion and marching performance.
"The Commandant's Own" originated in 1934 as a school for Fleet Marine buglers located within Marine Barracks. Known as "The Field Music's School," this school was responsible for training Marine buglers and drummers. These Marine musicians received assignments to Naval bases, Marine posts and ships at sea, providing the drum taps and bugle calls through which communications and orders were broadcast. Because of their close proximity, the students of this school were also used to augment the percussion and brass sections of "The President's Own," The United States Marine Band, during performances at Marine Barracks.
During World War II, the school was tasked with providing security for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt during his east-coast travels. For this special duty, "The Commandant's Own" was presented with the 'scarlet and gold' breast cord of presidential aids. To this day, this special commendation is worn on the unit's ceremonial and dress uniforms.
Post World War II found the Marine Drum & Bugle Corps growing in size and popularity, personifying Marine Corps traditions throught their precision marching style and stirring musical performance. Realizing the need for drum and bugle corps', the Marine Corps established a school for this activity at Recruit Training Commands. This redesignated the school at Marine Barracks as the official United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, "The Commandant's Own."
Now wearing distinctive scarlet tunics, "The Commandant's Own," became the vanguard in marching and musical performance within the armed services of the United States. Their famed "Music In Motion" presentation blends exciting elements of exacting military movements with an array of patriotic and popular music selections. This grand exhibition is often rewarded with standing ovations at countless performances throughout the world.
"The Commandant's Own" maintains the distinction of providing buglers in sounding final honors or "Taps" for military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition, bugle calls are performed throughout the day at Marine Barracks by these same buglers; a duty performed faithfully since 1934.
Currently, "The Commandant's Own" is comprised of over 80 talented Marine-musicians stemming from all regions of the United States. The unit performs throughout the year and is showcased during the summer months in "The Sunset Parade," held every Tuesday on the grounds of the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, as well as "The Evening Parade," on Friday evenings at historic "8th & I," Washington, DC. The unit, which is in great demand, performs over 500 engagements while traveling over 60,000 miles annually.