4 metro Atlanta musicians to perform at Trump's inauguration with Marine Band
Master Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Rose, Master Sgt. Michael Metzger, Staff Sgt. Philip Broome, and Staff Sgt. Harrison Burks
ATLANTA - Four musicians from the metro Atlanta area will take part in the 60th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20 as members of "The President’s Own" United States Marine Band. The band will perform during the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, seated directly beneath the inaugural platform. They will honor President Donald Trump by playing "Hail to the Chief" immediately after he takes the oath of office.
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The Atlanta-area musicians participating are:
- Master Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Rose
- Master Sgt. Michael Metzger
- Staff Sgt. Philip Broome
- Staff Sgt. Harrison Burks
The backstory:
The Marine Band’s history with presidential inaugurations dates back to March 4, 1801, when it performed for President Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration. Jefferson, an accomplished musician, is credited with naming the band "The President’s Own" to signify its unique relationship with the Chief Executive.
Founded in 1798, the Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. It has performed for every U.S. President since John Adams, with its mission focused on providing music for the President and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
More about the Marines
Master Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Rose of Atlanta has been a member of "The President’s Own" United States Marine Band since 1997, serving as assistant principal percussionist and combo section commander. A graduate of Chamblee High School and Rice University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music, Rose has an extensive performance background, including work with the Houston Symphony, New York City Opera, and Andy Williams’ Moon River Theater. As a percussionist with the Marine Band and Chamber Orchestra, he has performed at the White House, nationwide tours, and prestigious events like The Midwest Clinic and the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles conferences. Rose is a renowned soloist, known for his interpretations of works by Schwantner, Tyzik, Childs, Higdon, and Colgrass.
Master Sergeant Michael Metzger of Lilburn has been a percussionist with "The President’s Own" United States Marine Band since 2005. A Parkview High School graduate, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music, studying under prominent percussionists like Chris Lamb of the New York Philharmonic. Before joining the Marine Band, he performed with southern rock band OverflO, a Beach Boys cover band, and various ensembles in New York. Metzger now performs at the White House, in Washington, D.C., and nationwide with the Marine Band and Chamber Orchestra.
Staff Sergeant Philip Broome of Atlanta has been a euphonium player with "The President’s Own" United States Marine Band since June 2023. A graduate of Mt. Pisgah Christian School and Columbus State University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music performance, Broome began his musical journey with the Salvation Army music program. Before joining the Marine Band, he served as principal euphonium in the United States Army’s West Point Band. He now performs with the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra at the White House, in Washington, D.C., and on national tours.
Staff Sergeant Harrison Burks of Alpharetta has been a clarinetist with "The President’s Own" United States Marine Band since 2018. A graduate of Milton High School, he earned degrees in clarinet performance from the University of Alabama and Indiana University, studying with renowned instructors such as Osiris Molina and Howard Klug. Before joining the Marine Band, he performed with the Evansville Philharmonic in Indiana. Burks now performs at the White House, in Washington, D.C., and on national tours with the Marine Band and Chamber Orchestra.