Auditions for mellophone/baritone are scheduled through the District Musician placement Director for the Marine Corps Music Program. Applicants can submit their current resume using the contact information below or by contacting a local Marine Corps Recruiter. Once a resume has been submitted, the applicant will be contacted to schedule a specific audition time and location. All applicants must meet the standards required for enlistment into the United States Marine Corps. “The Commandant’s Own” The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and the Marine Corps Bands play a central role in preserving the culture and ceremonial traditions of the Marine Corps. They also serve as musical ambassadors, telling the Marine Corps story and installing national pride and patriotism, by providing inspirational and entertaining musical performances for audiences across the United States and around the world.

“The Commandant’s Own” The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and the Marine Corps Bands play a central role in preserving the culture and ceremonial traditions of the Marine Corps. They also serve as musical ambassadors, telling the Marine Corps story and installing national pride and patriotism, by providing inspirational and entertaining musical performances for audiences across the United States and around the world.

As a mellophone or baritone instrumentalist in “The Commandant’s Own” you will travel worldwide and perform in front of countless spectators annually to include high ranking government officials and foreign dignitaries. The unit takes pride in its highly versatile musical repertoire. As such, the applicant should be familiar with performing characteristic styles such as: classical, funk, jazz, rock, martial (marches,) latin, and pop. The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps is the premier musical marching unit of the United States Armed Forces presenting a diverse range of ceremonies, concerts, and marching drill performances around the US and abroad. The applicant should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of marching and playing simultaneously. The applicant should also possess music memorization and retention skills as the Marines of the “The Commandant’s Own” are required to have all music committed to memory.

The audition will consist of the following:

  • Prepared Material – A prepared solo grade IV or higher demonstrating style and technique.
  • Scales – (2 octave) major, natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scales ascending and descending with the arpeggio.
  • Sight Reading – Selections will be provided by the music placement director.

For further information or to submit a resume, please write or call the following:

Staff Sergeant William C. Kilian, Musician Placement Director

9th Marine Corps District
2223 Luce BLVD, BLDG 523
Great Lakes, IL 60088
Telephone: (816)-916-2671
William.kilian@marines.usmc.mil