Donald Patterson arranger

Music Production Chief and Arranger Master Gunnery Sgt. Donald Patterson of Galena Park, Texas, joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band as a trombonist in August 1991. He joined the music production staff in 2003.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Patterson began his musical training at age 12. After graduating in 1979 from Galena Park High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in music education at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, where he studied with Henry Howey.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Patterson is responsible for the production of music that encompasses many styles and instrumental combinations, many of which are performed at the White House, in the Washington, D.C., area, and across the country during the band’s annual concert tour. His transcriptions of Fete Polonaise by Emmanuel Chabrier, Festive Overture by Dmitri Shostakovich, and Feste Romane by Ottorino Respighi are featured on the Marine Band’s 2009 educational recording “Feste.” Most recently he has arranged or transcribed Dances from Estancia by Alberto Ginastera, Scapino by William Walton, and 57/7 Dash by Melinda Wagner.