MARINE BARRACKS WASHINGTON, D.C. – Marine Barracks Washington proudly announces the selection of U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Rosie, a musician within "The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps” and native of Houston, as the ceremonial bugler for the 2026 Parade Season. Supporting him in this role will be Cpl. Quinton Mashler, a musician within "The Commandant’s Own” U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps” and native of Bloomington, Illinois, who has been designated as the assistant ceremonial bugler.
Together, they will uphold the time-honored musical traditions such as the solo bugle calls that define the musical and ceremonial precision that define Evening and Sunset Parades as well as multiple events during the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
The storied role of ceremonial bugler was formally established in 1962 for that parade season, though solo buglers had been a hallmark of Evening and Sunset Parades as early as 1952, highlighting a tradition of musical precision and ceremonial excellence.
“As a ceremonial bugler, you adopt a historically facing role,” said Rosie, reflecting on his past 2 Parade Seasons as ceremonial bugler. “A bugle is older instrument rooted in military history. You’re more connected to that history rather than the average servicemember.”
The selection process for the ceremonial bugler role requires pristine attention to detail, military bearing, and confidence in all you do. Marines in U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps spend a week in preliminary auditions, culminating in a full dress audition complete with evaluation on solo bugle calls, uniforms, and ceremonial drill.
“The musical portion is heavily weighted in your audition. You must work on your clarity, tone, and articulation,” said Rosie. “It takes immense dedication, bearing, and attention for this role,” said Cpl. Mashler, reflecting on what it took to earn this role.
Holding such a prestigious role at 8th & I carries significant responsibility; made all the more profound as the Marine Barracks Washington prepares to support celebrations surrounding America’s 250th anniversary.
“It’s incredibly humbling to represent the Marine Corps during the 250th anniversary, especially to represent the history of the music that has defined our military,” said Rosie.
It takes a certain Marine to earn the role of ceremonial bugler. Marine Barracks Washington is at the forefront of ceremonial and musical military traditions; it is imperative to have only the best Marines fill these roles. Every Marine brings something new to such storied roles and positions, including Rosie.
“My attention to detail and military bearing give me a lot of advantages within this role,” said Rosie, proudly. “These aspects of the performance are much more noticeable during the parades and especially during the audition process.”
As the 2026 Parade Season approaches, Rosie and Mashler stand ready to carry forward a legacy marked by precision, discipline, and deep-rooted tradition.
In a year marked by national reflection and celebration, their roles as ceremonial buglers will not only honor the history of the Marine Corps, but also stand ready as sentinels of some of the most important musical traditions at Marine Barracks Washington.