Staff Sergeant Adam A.O. Chandler
Drum Major, Marine Band San Diego
Staff Sergeant Adam A.O. Chandler was raised in Wilmington, NC. He enlisted into the Marine Corps in 2013. Upon completion of recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, and Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC, he attended the Basic Music Course at the Naval School of Music, Virginia Beach, VA.
LCpl Chandler was then assigned to the Marine Corps Band, New Orleans, where he served primarily and a Clarinetist, but also a Vocalist and Public Affairs Clerk. Throughout this tour he served as a Clarinetist for the Concert and Ceremonial Bands, Woodwind Quintet, and Dixieland Band; and as a Vocalist for the Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, and Rock Band with yearly performances at the Houston Rodeo and Champion Square before New Orleans Saints games.
In July of 2017, Cpl Chandler was assigned to the Marine Corps Forces Pacific, Band in Kaneohe Bay, HI. He served as a Clarinetist, Vocalist, Operations Clerk, and Fire Team Leader. He was promoted to Sergeant in October of 2017 and awarded the position of the Assistant Drum Major. In Hawaii, Sgt Chandler supported operations to China in 2017, participated in multi-service bands, and was augmented by the Pacific Fleet Navy Band to perform in their 2018 Trombone Day Clinic and well as other ceremonies. In September of 2018, Sgt Chandler graduated from the Martial Arts Instructor Course as the Honor Graduate and has served as a Black Belt, First Degree Martial Arts Instructor since.
Sgt Chandler reported to the Naval School of Music in August of 2019 in order to attend the Unit Leader Course. While at the Unit Leader Course, Sgt Chandler was selected to serve as a Basic Academics Instructor. Upon graduation, he then reported to the Naval School of Music as a staff member in May of 2020 where he served in the Academics, Instrumental, and Rehearsal Divisions teaching Music Theory, Ear Training, Clarinet Performance, and Drill Band.
In May of 2023, SSgt Chandler joined Marine Band San Diego as their Vocalist, and has performed as a soloist for the San Diego Padres vs New York Mets game and various ceremonies around the San Diego area. He now serves as Marine Band San Diego’s Drum Major.
His military decorations include: Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (second award), the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (third award), the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
