Master Gunnery Sergeant Mark Latimer
Percussionist Mark Latimer of St. Louis, Mo., joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in January 1997. He was appointed principal percussionist and section commander in 1999.
Master Gunnery Sergeant Latimer began his musical training at age 8 when he started instruction with John Kasica of the St. Louis Symphony. Upon graduating from Vianney High School in Kirkwood, Mo., in 1986, he earned a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Indiana University in Bloomington in 1993. His instructors included George Gaber and Gerald Carylss of Indiana University.
Prior to joining “The President’s Own,” MGySgt Latimer was principal timpanist of the American Soviet Youth Orchestra under the direction of Leonard Slatkin. He also was a member of the National Repertory Orchestra in Breckinridge, Colo., and the Summit Brass Ensemble in Denver.
MGySgt Latimer performs with the Marine Band, Marine Chamber Orchestra, and Marine Chamber Ensembles in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and across the country during the band's annual concert tour.
MGySgt Latimer currently resides in Leesburg, Va., and is the father of two daughters, Gabrielle and Marie.
The Marine Band is America's oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Founded in 1798, the band has performed for every U.S. president since John Adams. Known as "The President's Own" since the days of Thomas Jefferson, the Marine Band's primary mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
