Below is an article about this Marine band that is stationed in Japan. It is a good insight into the type of duties that perform. Note that this is a different flavor of duty than you will typically find in the U.S.-based premier service bands.

Link to Original Article (plus photos)

Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Terence L. Yancey
Story Identification #: 200654203932

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan(May 5, 2006) -- As the only Marine Expeditionary Force band in the Marine Corps, the III MEF Band has a unique role; it provides musical and ceremonial support for the Far East and Western Pacific regions.

Because the area they support is so vast, the band's task of keeping up with all musical commitments, while maintaining Marine Corps requirements is difficult.

"We train hard to perform at a level expected of U.S. Marines," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Benjamin J. Bartholomew, the officer-in-charge of the III MEF Band. "(But) as Marine musicians, we're expected to perform at a level beyond that, and we do it."

In order to maintain their schedule and level of performance, some band members have additional duties, according to Staff Sgt. Michael A. July, the band's platoon sergeant. These duties ensure the band is operational and the Marines are on top of their training.

"The band is a self-contained unit," July said. "Some band members are additionally tasked with administration, training, public affairs, transportation and handling the band's computer needs."

Musicians who are not performing other duties maintain the musical commitments for the marching band, concert band, show band, party band, jazz combo and brass quintet.

"Sometimes we won't know until the end of the day what time we'll have to be at work the next day," said Cpl. David Vaughn, a euphonium musician with the band. "We work a lot around the schedules of other units."

Being in the band gives pride and fulfillment to many of its members despite the long, unpredictable hours and tough practice regimen.

"The most challenging thing I've done with the band is deploy," said Sgt. Kristofer Hutsell, a percussion musician with the band. "We are responsible for set-up and tear-down and standing long posts as rear area security on top of performing."

Bartholomew can recall several instances that have made his career as a Marine musician worthwhile.

"It's very fulfilling when someone tells me how much they loved a performance they saw six months ago or when a high school student asks me how he or she can become a musician," Bartholomew said. "It's all about the music. We practice a lot, then go practice some more."