MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C—Stepping into the

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C—Stepping into the 2nd Marine Division band hall, one of the first things you might notice is the sound of music flowing throughout the building.
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Brandon Raxter, a musician and trombonist with the 2d Marine Division Band, (The Division’s Own) typically spends his day practicing numerous musical pieces the band plays to support the Division.
“The tradition and the history that the band holds continues to be the reason we need a band,” said Raxter. “It doesn’t do all the same things it did in the past but we still motivate Marines and represent our division.”
The 2nd Marine Division Band provides musical support for the Marines of 2nd Marine Division through musical performance. They are known for their marching and musical excellence as well as their pride in being the musical ambassadors of the Division.
“When you’re playing the Marines Hymn for someone who’s never heard it live or for a Sergeant Major during their retirement who will hear it for the last time before they get out,” said Raxter. “It obviously touches their heart and seeing that touches mine.”
Raxter, a Reidsville, North Carolina native, always had his sights set on the military and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2017. He auditioned for the Musician Enlistment Opportunity Program at the request of his recruiter and passed the rigorous selection process.
“Every day you come in and, you set a bar for yourself,” said Raxter. “You can’t come in the next day and strive below that bar, you have to keep pushing up and up.”
Raxter finds inspiration by observing how other Marines and the public react to the band's concerts and performances.
“Finding someone who beams inspiration and motivation and emulating their leadership traits is definitely the best way I’ve seen to get better at leadership,” Raxter said. “People don’t care what you say until they see that you care.”