Command Sergeant Major Debra L. McGarity

CSM Debra McGarity

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Biography

Command Sergeant Major Debra L. McGarity holds the distinction of being the first female Enlisted Leader of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” (and only the band’s second Command Sergeant Major) a position she has held since October 2, 2009. Her previous leadership positions have included Concert Band Group Leader, Woodwind Group Leader, NCOIC and Clarinetist with The U.S. Army Band Woodwind Quintet (a position she has held since 1996), Unit Training NCO, and Unit Substance Abuse Prevention Leader. In addition to her role as Unit Command Sergeant Major, CSM McGarity will continue to perform as a clarinetist with both the Concert Band and The U.S. Army Band Woodwind Quintet.

Originally from Covington, Virginia, her career in the Army began in 1977 as a member of The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band. CSM McGarity holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education with a Certificate in Performance from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music where she was the Valedictorian of her graduating class, and a Master of Music degree in Clarinet Performance from The University of Maryland. CSM McGarity has performed as a featured soloist with the Concert Band and the Orchestra, as well as for the MENC National Convention at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. In addition to maintaining an active schedule as a freelance musician and private educator, she served on the music faculty of the Northern Virginia Community College for 25 years.

Updated Monday, November 30, 2009 10:39 AM | CSM Debra L. McGarity