List of United States military premier ensembles

While branch-wide, as opposed to unit-specific, bands have existed since the formation of the U.S. Marine Band in the 1790s, the idea of forming superior music ensembles posted in the vicinity of Washington, D.C., originated with John Pershing in the early 1920s and formalized with the transition of the U.S. Navy School of Music from a training program for naval bandsmen to a multi-service institute responsible for Navy, Marine Corps, and Army premier musicians in 1951.

[1][2][3] With the exception of the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, new enlistees in premier ensembles automatically enter at the pay grade of E6 (staff sergeant in the Army and Marine Corps, Technical Sergeant in the Air Force, and Petty Officer First Class in the Navy and Coast Guard) and enjoy enlistment contracts that guarantee they are not deployable outside the United States, meaning competition for billets is fierce.

[10] In the past, some premier ensembles have been administered separately from the rest of their branch's bands; they generally do not have any duties other than musical performance.

During wartime, by contrast, non-premier U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army bands reconfigure into light infantry units responsible for rear-area defense and EPW (enemy prisoner-of-war) security.

[10][12] Premier ensembles are tasked with promoting the image of the U.S. armed forces through public performances, concerts, and parades.

A detachment of "The President's Own", the U.S. Marine Band, appears with First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2015
A detachment of "The President's Own", the U.S. Marine Band, appears with First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama on the Late Show with David Letterman in 2015.
Image showing the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets.
The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets , the U.S. president's fanfare unit, are a component of the U.S. Army Band, a premier ensemble.
" The Stars and Stripes Forever "
" On, Brave Old Army Team "
"Melody Shop"
"The Rifle Regiment"
" Hands Across the Sea "
"The Tall Ship Eagle"
" The Stars and Stripes Forever "
"Honor with Dignity"
"Army Strong"
"March for a New Era"
"Bugle Quickstep"