Lilburn Native to Participate in Inauguration of President Barack Obama

Staff Sgt. Michael Metzger, a Lilburn native and graduate of Parkview High School, will perform in a special U.S. Marines band during the inauguration of President Barack Obama on Jan. 21.

Metzger, a percussionist in "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, will perform at the swearing-in ceremony and march in the inaugural parade. This marks the nation's 57th inauguration and, and the band's 54th consecutive inaugural appearance.

Metzger has worked with the group since 2005.

"I've had an excellent, just a great time performing with this group now for seven and half years," he said. "The people in the group are just wonderful to be with and fantastic musicians."

The band will provide music for the inauguration swearing-in ceremony (including accompaniment for Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce), lead the second division of the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, perform at the president's inaugural ball and perform at the inaugural prayer service.

"The President’s Own" is the only musical unit to participate in all four events.

"It's an honor to be a part of, really, the biggest stage in the world," said the 29-year-old in an interview with Patch. "You've got the whole world watching, and it was so much fun four years ago obviously as monumental of an event as it was with President Obama's very first inauguration."

He added: "I'm really looking forward to being back out there and being on the big stage again. It's awesome."

About the U.S. Marine Band

On March 4, 1801, the Marine Band performed for Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration and research suggests that the band has participated in every presidential inaugural since. An accomplished musician himself, Jefferson recognized the unique relationship between the band and the nation's chief executive and is credited with giving the Marine Band the title, "The President’s Own."

About Staff Sgt. Michael Metzger

Staff Sgt. Michael Metzger of Lilburn, Ga., joined "The President’s Own" United States Marine Band in July 2005.

He began his musical training at age 3. Upon graduating in 2001, from Parkview High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in 2005 from the Manhattan School of Music in New York. Metzger studied with Chris Lamb of the New York Philharmonic, Duncan Patton of the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and Erik Charlston of New York.

Prior to joining "The President’s Own," Metzger was the drummer/background vocalist for southern rock band OverflO and drummer/lead vocalist for BBCB, the Beach Boys Cover Band. He also worked as a freelance musician in New York and performed with the Columbia University Orchestra and Manhattan Percussion Ensemble, both in New York.

Metzger performs with the Marine Band, Marine Chamber Orchestra, and Marine Chamber Ensembles at the White House, in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and across the country during the band’s annual concert tour.

The son of Cathy and Tom Metzger of Lilburn, he currently resides in Arlington, Va. He also is a husband of six years and a father of a six-month old son.