John R. Bourgeois

The distinguished career of Col. Bourgeois, the 25th director of the United States Marine Band, spanned nine presidential administrations, from Eisenhower to Clinton. He retired from the Marine Corps after 40 years and served as the band’s director and music advisor to the White House for 17 years.

He joined the Marine Corps in 1956 and joined “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band in 1958, serving as a French horn player and staff arranger. He became director of the band in 1979, and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1996. Under his leadership, the Marine Band presented its first overseas performances. In 1990, Col. Bourgeois led the band on a historic 18-day concert tour of the former Soviet Union. Col. Bourgeois directed 19 national concert tours – a tradition started by John Philip Sousa in 1891.

Bourgeois has served as president of the John Philip Sousa Foundation, president of the National Band Association, and president of the American Bandmasters Association where in 2017 he was elected its Honorary Life President. He has been a member of the board of directors of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, and as American Vice President of the International Military Music Society. He is also a member of the Military Order of the Carabao, the Alfalfa Club, and Washington’s prestigious Gridiron Club.

Since his retirement, he has continued to be extremely active as a guest conductor and clinician, artist in residence, and adjudicator for bands all over the world. He is also an Artist-in-Residence at his alma mater, Loyola University, New Orleans, in a chair endowed in his name.