ANAHEIM, Calif. -- ANAHEIM, Calif.--U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ronald Joseph, a pianist with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, wasn't always destined to perform at “the happiest place on earth.” In 2018, the St. Rose, Louisiana, native traded smoky New Orleans jazz bars for crisp Marine Corps blues. Joseph and the Marines of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band partnered with the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, and volunteers to collect toys, books and other gifts during Disneyland’s Toys for Tots Drive in Anaheim, California, Dec. 9, 2023.
What led you to become a Marine Corps musician?
As a 27-year-old freelance musician in New Orleans, I felt trapped in a cycle of the same types of gigs and didn’t see a clear path of career progression. I decided to join the Marine Corps under the Musician Enlistment Option Program in 2018 because I saw an opportunity to travel, learn and have new experiences.
Can you share a bit about the 3rd MAW band and its mission?
The 3rd MAW band provides musical support for military ceremonies, represents the Marine Corps in community relations performances such as the one at Disneyland, and acts as a security platoon, if and when called upon.
How does the band support Toys for Tots?
Toys for Tots is a program that distributes toys around Christmas to families that may not be able to afford to provide their children with gifts. This is one of many ways that the Marine Corps gives back to the community. By providing musical support, the band garners attention from the mobile audience at Disneyland and draws a crowd to the Toys for Tots booth, encouraging passers-by to participate.
Disneyland is known for its magical and joyful atmosphere; how does it feel to be chosen to perform at this event?
It is a high honor to be chosen to perform at Disneyland---the staff are incredibly professional and performing artists are treated with the utmost level of care and support. There are only a handful of opportunities outside of recruiting for Marines and the public to interact with one another and for Marines to get the opportunity to give back. This is one of those special moments. Events like these somewhat demystify for the public what the Marine Corps is like and allows us to show that military personnel are just normal people who have chosen to serve.
In what ways do you believe music and events like this contribute to a sense of community and shared joy?
This event is a collaboration between the Marines and the public –we collaborate to do something inherently good and that alone contributes to community and shared joy. Music has a way of invoking the spirit of the holidays and that is the finishing touch to an event like this one.
Are there any songs in your setlist that hold special significance for this performance?
"Christmas in LA" because the Christmas repertoire is oversaturated with songs about the snowy Northeast. I'm so happy the West Coast finally gets a song!