MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon and the Marine Corps Color Guard performed the Battle Color Ceremony at the 22 Area Parade Field and the School of Infantry recently.

The Drum and Bugle Corps performs martial and popular songs for hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. They travel nearly 50,000 miles annually and appear in nearly 400 events each year.

"Its an honor and a privilege to serve in the Drum and Bugle Corps," said Lance Cpl. Clint Owens, soprano bugler for the 'Commandant's Own.' "Not everyone gets a chance to represent the Marine Corps the way that I do."

The history of the unit can be traced back to the 19th century. The Bugle Corps used music to pass commands to Marines in formations. The sounds of the drum beats and bugle calls could easily be heard over the battlefield's noise.

"This is our sixth show so far," said Staff Sgt. Justin C. Bakewell, public affairs chief, Battle Color Detachment, Marine Barracks 8th & I. "We have eleven more shows before we go back to D.C."

Bakewell said the detachment's tour began in early February with performances in Yuma, Ariz., followed by tours in San Diego and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

"The only visits, in addition to Marine Corps installations, is local high schools in California," Bakewell said. This year they visited five high schools.

"We just want to get the Marine Corps name out there and have the students see the Marine Corps and what we are all about," Bakewell added.

"This is my fourth time, and this is the best progressed platoon I've seen," said Cpl. Jason Cruce, Silent Drill Platoon rifle inspector. "We're as tight as they come."

"I thought the performance was amazing and put together very well," said Cpl John A. Schmidt, tool room noncommissioned officer, Security Battalion, Marine Corps Base.

"It inspired me to put forth maximum effort in my day to day tasks as a Marine," he said.