Marine Military Academy Band

The Marine Military Academy band is an integral part of the military aspect of the school. The band members consist of musicians of all levels of experience from beginners to advanced. It provides support for a variety of events that are intrinsic to the military environment. The band performs daily for the pass in review sequence, leading the Corps of Cadets as they march for review prior to the lunch hour. For every special event that includes a parade, the band is an absolutely essential element. As an activity, the band provides the Cadets that participate with an environment that reinforces teamwork, critical analysis, increased awareness of self-image, and strongly enables the student to engage multiple intelligences. Additionally, the band travels throughout southern Texas and into the southern region of the United States serving as an extremely positive ambassador for the Marine Military Academy. With annual trips to such places as Lafayette, La. for Mardi Gras celebrations and various other competitive and non-competitive events, the MMA band is also a varsity letter activity. Music academic studies are also offered within the Marine Military Academy's music program that includes basic music theory, advanced theory & harmony, and music appreciation.

Band Director: Chief Warrant Officer 3 Edward D. Harris joined the staff of MMA following his retirement after more than 23 years of active service. During this period he served as a trombonist, enlisted bandleader and band officer. He attended Mt. Hood College in Gresham, Oregon and is a graduate of the Advanced Band Leaders Course, Armed Forces School of Music. He has toured the country over the past few years visiting many high school and junior high school bands as a clinician, guest conductor and guest performer. As a tromobonist, he has performed and recorded with Bette Midler, Al Jarreau, Lyle Lovitt, Malcolm Arnold and Frank Sinatra. He is a well-known and respected professional trombonist and conductor. Chief Warrant Officer Harris is also a published arranger and has numerous big band and concert band arrangements to his credit.

If you have any questions please contact the band director at military@mma-tx.org