Yen Duursema

"Ever try to play a cantina crowd? I don't recommend it."

- Yen Duursema, Marine Corps Band founder

Yen Duursema was a female who served as an officer in the Republic Marines in its first century of existence. Graduating in one of the first classes of cadets turned out by the Marine Corps Academy, she was also a talented musician with a specialty in woodwind and reed instruments such as the. After working her way up through the officer ranks as an analyst and logistics specialist, she was promoted to Lieutenant Commander and given command of the Third Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment in 4,925 BBY. From there, she began to inquire after other talented musicians within the regiment, be they officer or enlisted.

Once she had gathered around thirty individuals, skilled in percussion, brass, string and other instruments popular in martial music, she set about organizing them into a formal band. That year, after performing a set for the serving Commandant on Corps Day, she received permission to take her ensemble on a limited tour of Marine bases and garrisons. The tour was highly successful, and the Commandant agreed to the forming of a larger band and, eventually, multiple groups all conducting various tours or playing for holiday celebrations or other ceremonial duties. The Marine Corps Band soon became an integral part of the Republic Marines' public-relations division.

Behind the scenes
Yen Duursema is named for longtime artist.