A Lifetime of Service…A Lasting Bond Through Music
The Marine Corps Musicians Association (MCMA) brings together former and active-duty Marine Corps musicians who share a unique bond forged through military service, musical excellence, and the traditions of the United States Marine Corps.
Our Association was founded on a simple but enduring idea: the friendships, experiences, and traditions formed through Marine Corps music should continue long after active service ends. We are more than a veterans' organization. We are a community united by a shared history, a common calling, and a lifelong commitment to the music and traditions of our beloved Corps.
Our Purpose and Mission
The purpose of the Marine Corps Musicians Association is to preserve the heritage of Marine Corps music, strengthen the bonds of camaraderie and Esprit de Corps, promote patriotism, and maintain a meaningful connection with today's Marine Corps and its musical units.
We fulfill this mission by bringing members together annually to renew friendships, share experiences, and celebrate our common service; visiting Marine Corps installations and musical units to remain informed about the activities and progress of the Corps and preserving the history, traditions, and accomplishments of Marine musicians for future generations.
Through our charitable contributions, recognition of outstanding active-duty Marine musicians through our annual Marine Musician of the Year awards, and preservation of our shared heritage, we ensure that our commitment to Marine music continues beyond our own years of service.
A Proud Tradition Since 1985
In April 1985, a group of Marine Corps musicians gathered to explore the possibility of establishing an organization for retired Marine musicians. The idea was enthusiastically received, and plans were made for an annual reunion. The Retired Marine Corps Musicians Association was established, with the first official reunion following in 1986.
What began as an opportunity for musicians to reconnect has grown into a lasting community dedicated to fellowship, historical preservation, and the continued celebration of Marine Corps music.
Over the last four decades, reunions have brought members together having provided opportunities to honor distinguished generations of Marine musicians, recognize extraordinary service and sacrifice, and strengthen our connection with today's Marine Corps bands and musicians. We have paid tribute to members of the Last China Band and survivors of the fall of Corregidor and subsequent captivity in Japan. At Camp Lejeune, we honored Marine bandsmen who served during the Chosin Reservoir campaign. Other reunions have featured performances, participation in Marine Corps Birthday celebrations and an MCMA plaque dedication at the National Museum of the Marine Corps and a pilgrimage to Hawaii.
These opportunities and experiences to celebrate the rich history of Marine Corps music reflect what makes MCMA special: we do not simply remember our history; we bring it to life through music, fellowship, and the stories we share.
Keeping the Music and Camaraderie Alive
Our annual reunions remain at the heart of the Association. Members reconnect with old friends, make new acquaintances, share stories from their years of service, and celebrate the experiences that unite us as Marine musicians. We meet annually in general assembly to discuss association affairs and hold elections.
Our quarterly newsletter further strengthens these connections. It shares Association news, member stories, historical features, and recollections of the people, places, and performances that shaped our collective legacy.
Become Part of Our Continuing Story
Whether you served decades ago or recently completed your enlistment, your experiences and story are part of our shared heritage. The Marine Corps Musicians Association welcomes all former and active-duty Marine musicians who want to maintain their connections, celebrate their service, and help preserve the traditions of Marine Corps music. The future of our Association depends on the involvement of its members and the participation of new generations. Every member has a story worth preserving, a connection worth maintaining, and something meaningful to contribute.
Membership offers an opportunity to reconnect with fellow musicians, participate in annual reunions, receive our quarterly newsletter, contribute to historical preservation, and support the musicians who continue the tradition today. Annual membership dues help support Association communications, charitable contributions, and awards recognizing outstanding active-duty Marine musicians.
We are the Few. We are the Proud. We are Marine Musicians.