To find out more information, please contact below:

Audition & Enlistment Coordinator

Gunnery Sergeant Benjamin Schoffstall

EMAIL

auditions.drumcorps@marines.usmc.mil

Phone

Office: (571) 559-4538
Cell: (816) 590-4872

MAIL

The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps' mission is to provide music and drill ceremony to the Commandant of the Marine Corps and the Commanding Officer of Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. Founded in 1934, "The Commandant's Own" is the only active duty drum and bugle corps currently serving in our armed forces.

Throughout the summer months the unit performs in the traditional Evening Parades held at Marine Barracks Washington, and in the Sunset Parades at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. The Drum & Bugle Corps travels more than 50,000 miles annually, performing in nearly 500 evens across the nation and abroad.

To be eligible for membership in “The Commandant’s Own,” applicants must first be found musically qualified through the audition process and also must be basically qualified to be a Marine. This includes being within Marine Corps height and weight standards and having the ability to pass the Initial Strength Test. Additionally, applicants will take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test and receive a score of 50 or above to be considered. Other qualifications include passing a physical exam at the Military Entrance Processing Station and gaining eligibility for a Secret Security Clearance. 

Once an applicant is found qualified, they will then attend Marine Corps Recruit Training in Parris Island, South Carolina or San Diego California. This 13-week training period is where the transformation from civilian to Marine takes place. Every recruit embarks on this process starting with the infamous yellow footprints. Along the way, they face challenges that improve their mental, physical, and moral wellbeing. Every recruit that successfully completes training will earn their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor and earn the title MARINE. 

After recruit training, Marines assigned to “The Commandant’s Own” will attend a 4 week follow-on school, Marine Combat Training, to sustain the transformation and improve on weapons proficiency. At the completion of combat training, Marines will report immediately to Marine Barracks Washington D.C. for service in “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps.

Marines in the drum corps have the advantage of an accelerated promotion system. Beginning in recruit training, they are paid as an E2, Private First Class. After six months on active duty they are eligible for promotion to E3, Lance Corporal, and after 24 months they are eligible for E4, Corporal. Those with baccalaureate degrees, or higher, are guaranteed (upon recommendation) for promotion to E5, Sergeant, at 48 months of service.   

On top of receiving base pay, Marines are given a wide variety of benefits to compliment their military compensation. In recruit training, they will be enrolled in the TRICARE Medical insurance program. This covers all medical and dental expenses incurred over the period of enlistment. Marines are also covered by the Service Group Life Insurance policy at the amount of $500,000. In addition to health and life insurance, Marines also gain access to education benefits. The Tuition Assistance program provides $4,500 annually, or $250 per credit hour towards completion of a college degree. The Post 9/11 GI Bill is given to service members who complete at least four years of service and covers 100% of the tuition with an added stipend for housing for the local area of the university. Marines also receive benefits for investing and retirement through the Thrift Savings Plan and the Blended Retirement System. For more information on the enlistment process and benefit programs, visit the reference links below and contact the Audition & Enlistment Coordinator.

Basic Qualification Requirements

www.marines.com 

Pay Information:

2024 Pay Table-Capped-FINAL.xlsx (defense.gov)

How Much is Your Military Compensation Actually Worth? - Military Financial Advisors Association

Benefits:

Home | TRICARE

Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (defense.gov)

Military TA, Tuition Assistance Program | Military OneSource

About Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits | Military OneSource

Blended Retirement (defense.gov)

Brass Audition packets

Soprano Bugle

Mellophone Bugle

Baritone Bugle

Contrabass Bugle

percussion Audition packets

Battery Percussion

Front Ensemble Percussion