The music consisting mostly of trumpets and drums is dynamic and their movements are perfectly synchronized as they move around the field creating a visually stimulating display in their "scarlet coats"!
"The Commandant's Own" Performance at the 2014 DCI Finals (YouTube)
At first glance, they may appear to be a typical marching band, but as you watch the performance you realize they are so much more! They are an exceptional band, serving their country playing music. It takes a certain talent to be accepted into "The Commandant's Own", not only do you need to be able to play an instrument very well and march while doing it, but also be able to pass Marine Corp Recruit Training.
The music consisting mostly of trumpets and drums is dynamic and their movements are perfectly synchronized as they move around the field creating a visually stimulating display in their "scarlet coats"!
The music consisting mostly of trumpets and drums is dynamic and their movements are perfectly synchronized as they move around the field creating a visually stimulating display in their "scarlet coats"!
History: Established 1934
"The history of the unit can be traced to the early days of the Marine Corps. In the 18th and 19th centuries military musicians, or "field musics," provided a means of passing commands to Marines in battle formations. The sound of various drum beats and bugle calls could be easily heard over the noise of the battlefield and signaled Marines to attack the enemy or retire for the evening. Through the 1930's, Marine Corps posts were still authorized a number of buglers and drummers to play the traditional calls and to ring a ship's bell to signal the time.
The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps was formed in 1934 to augment the United States Marine Band. The unit provided musical support to ceremonies around the nation’s capital and, during World War II, was tasked with Presidential support duties. For this additional role, they were awarded the scarlet and gold breast cord by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, which they still proudly display on their uniform. When the war ended, the Drum & Bugle Corps resumed performing at various military and public ceremonies.
In the early 1950s the unit gained considerable acclaim performing for an increasing number of civilian audiences. Music composed specifically for their unique selection of instruments helped establish their reputation for excellence during this period. These factors also led to the unit's formal designation as "The Commandant's Own”—a title noting their unique status as musicians for the Commandant of the Marine Corps. In the tradition of their "field music" predecessors, these musicians in "The Commandant's Own" are Marines in the truest sense of the word. Every enlisted member is a graduate of Marine Corps recruit training and is trained in basic infantry skills. Prior to enlisting, each Marine must pass a demanding audition for service in the Drum & Bugle Corps. Following Recruit Training and Marine Combat Training, the Marines are assigned to "The Commandant's Own."
The unit travels the world along with the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and the Official Color Guard of the Marine Corps as the United States Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment." (History of the Drum & Bugle Corps)
The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps was formed in 1934 to augment the United States Marine Band. The unit provided musical support to ceremonies around the nation’s capital and, during World War II, was tasked with Presidential support duties. For this additional role, they were awarded the scarlet and gold breast cord by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, which they still proudly display on their uniform. When the war ended, the Drum & Bugle Corps resumed performing at various military and public ceremonies.
In the early 1950s the unit gained considerable acclaim performing for an increasing number of civilian audiences. Music composed specifically for their unique selection of instruments helped establish their reputation for excellence during this period. These factors also led to the unit's formal designation as "The Commandant's Own”—a title noting their unique status as musicians for the Commandant of the Marine Corps. In the tradition of their "field music" predecessors, these musicians in "The Commandant's Own" are Marines in the truest sense of the word. Every enlisted member is a graduate of Marine Corps recruit training and is trained in basic infantry skills. Prior to enlisting, each Marine must pass a demanding audition for service in the Drum & Bugle Corps. Following Recruit Training and Marine Combat Training, the Marines are assigned to "The Commandant's Own."
The unit travels the world along with the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and the Official Color Guard of the Marine Corps as the United States Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment." (History of the Drum & Bugle Corps)
Ensemble of "The Scarlet Coat" (What they play & wear)
"An ensemble of talent, devotion and readiness, "The Commandant's Own" is the only Drum & Bugle Corps in the active duty U.S. Armed Forces. Members of this unit are one of the only two Marine Corps units authorized to wear the highly distinguishable "Scarlet Coat" when in dress uniform. The Marines of "The Commandant's Own" make freedom ring throughout our Corps, our nation and beyond." (Traditions)
This particular Marine band consists of more than 80 people. (DCI) Their instruments primarily consist of various types of drums and trumpets. However they can also be seen playing cymbals, xylophones and marimba. *
Their Dress Uniform ~pictured below in the red coat~ is similar to the Enlisted Marine's Dress Blues Uniform ~pictured below in the navy blue coat~ It consists of a red "Scarlet Coat" adorned with gold buttons, medals and the Marine's symbol The Eagle Globe and Anchor 'EGA' at the collar, a white cover 'hat' with black brim and gold EGA, white belt with an EGA on the buckle, white trousers, white gauntlets 'gloves' which are not always worn, and black shoes.
(Drum and Bugle Corp Photo Gallery)
* I was unable to find exact information on the number of and exact types of instruments. I watched various videos on “The Commandant’s Own” YouTube Channel to find the information.
This particular Marine band consists of more than 80 people. (DCI) Their instruments primarily consist of various types of drums and trumpets. However they can also be seen playing cymbals, xylophones and marimba. *
Their Dress Uniform ~pictured below in the red coat~ is similar to the Enlisted Marine's Dress Blues Uniform ~pictured below in the navy blue coat~ It consists of a red "Scarlet Coat" adorned with gold buttons, medals and the Marine's symbol The Eagle Globe and Anchor 'EGA' at the collar, a white cover 'hat' with black brim and gold EGA, white belt with an EGA on the buckle, white trousers, white gauntlets 'gloves' which are not always worn, and black shoes.
(Drum and Bugle Corp Photo Gallery)
* I was unable to find exact information on the number of and exact types of instruments. I watched various videos on “The Commandant’s Own” YouTube Channel to find the information.
Performance Schedule
"The Drum and Bugle Corps travels more than 50,000 miles annually, performing in excess of 400 events across the nation and abroad." (DCI)
During the summer "The Commandant's Own" performs on Friday's at the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. in the Evening Parades and on Tuesday's in the Sunset Parades at the U.S. Marine Corp War Memorial (Iwo Jima Monument) in Arlington, Va. (DCI)
A current calendar schedule of events can be found on the Marine Drum Corp Official Website. (Unit Home)
During the summer "The Commandant's Own" performs on Friday's at the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. in the Evening Parades and on Tuesday's in the Sunset Parades at the U.S. Marine Corp War Memorial (Iwo Jima Monument) in Arlington, Va. (DCI)
A current calendar schedule of events can be found on the Marine Drum Corp Official Website. (Unit Home)
The 1930's
What happened in the 30's:
Presidents: Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt
The Great Depression, drought, severe dust storms.
Listening to the radio was a free form of entertainment! (The 1930s) "The most popular broadcasts were those that distracted listeners from their everyday struggles: comedy programs like Amos ‘n’ Andy, soap operas and sporting events. Swing music encouraged people to cast aside their troubles and dance". (The 1930's)
Popular musicians:
Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Jelly Roll Morton, Django Reinhardt, Casa Loma Orchestra, Quintet of the Hot Club of France
"The Golden Age of Hollywood" began in 1930 to 1948, "The 30s was also the decade of the sound and color revolutions and the advance of the 'talkies', and the further development of film genres". (Film History of the 1930's)
Famous Stars:
Jean Harlow, Greta Garbo, John Wayne, Helen Hayes, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Katharine Hepburn, Shirley Temple, Betty Boop, Popeye the Sailor, Spencer Tracy
Big Movies:
The Big House - 1930, Dance Fools Dance - 1931, Charlie Chan Carries On - 1931, Cimarron - 1931, The Three Stooges
In June 1933 in Camben, N.J. the very first drive-in theater opened.
(Film History of the 1930's)
(DisabilityRightsHF's Channel)
Presidents: Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt
The Great Depression, drought, severe dust storms.
Listening to the radio was a free form of entertainment! (The 1930s) "The most popular broadcasts were those that distracted listeners from their everyday struggles: comedy programs like Amos ‘n’ Andy, soap operas and sporting events. Swing music encouraged people to cast aside their troubles and dance". (The 1930's)
Popular musicians:
Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Jelly Roll Morton, Django Reinhardt, Casa Loma Orchestra, Quintet of the Hot Club of France
"The Golden Age of Hollywood" began in 1930 to 1948, "The 30s was also the decade of the sound and color revolutions and the advance of the 'talkies', and the further development of film genres". (Film History of the 1930's)
Famous Stars:
Jean Harlow, Greta Garbo, John Wayne, Helen Hayes, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Katharine Hepburn, Shirley Temple, Betty Boop, Popeye the Sailor, Spencer Tracy
Big Movies:
The Big House - 1930, Dance Fools Dance - 1931, Charlie Chan Carries On - 1931, Cimarron - 1931, The Three Stooges
In June 1933 in Camben, N.J. the very first drive-in theater opened.
(Film History of the 1930's)
(DisabilityRightsHF's Channel)
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