The United States Marine Corps 1st Marine Division Band will perform for free on May 16, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive.

The 1st Marine Division Band, based in Camp Pendleton, California, consists of approximately 50 Marine musicians.  While the primary mission of the 1st Marine Division Band is to provide support for military parades and ceremonies, they remain versatile to accommodate other needs. In addition to the Ceremonial Band and Concert Band, the band forms smaller ensembles such as Jazz Combo, Brass Quintet, Party Band, and Dixieland Band.  They perform for over 400 ceremonies and commitments a year, with highlights including the State Funeral for President Ford, the Tournament of Roses Parade, Disneyland's Magic Music Days and our annual concert at the Center for the Performing Arts, in Escondido. In 2008, the 1st Marine Division Band was awarded the "Colonel George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence for Military Concert Bands" from the John Philip Sousa Foundation.

The 1st Marine Division Band was organized during World War II in the Pacific Theater of Operations in the early 1940's.  Since then, the Division bandsmen have drawn their rifles in support of several operations including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom I and II. 

Most recently, the band was attached to Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 5 and was deployed to Camp Fallujah, Iraq from February 2006 to January 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07.  The band functioned as a security platoon, with Marines serving as fixed site security in Central Fallujah, a mobile security convoy and a mobile security team for an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team.

All Marine Corps Bands fulfill the objective of preserving the values that comprise the unique and fundamental national strength and character of the United States.  Whether performing music or serving in a combat zone, the 1st Marine Division Band carries on this esteemed tradition and remains the Pride of the Division.

Band Master  |  Band Officer  |  Enlisted Conductor  |  Drum Major  |  Instrument Repair Technician  |  Small Ensemble Leader