William P. Kanteres II is a native of Manchester, NH. He graduated from Manchester Central High School in 1993. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in the winter of 1993, and went to basic training at Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Beaufort, SC in September 1993. Upon completion of Recruit Training, PFC Kanteres attended and graduated from Marine Corps Combat Training at Camp Geiger, Camp LeJeune, NC. Next, PFC Kanteres received orders to the Armed Forces School of Music in Little Creek VA, were he attended and graduated the Basic Course of Instruction. In the summer of 1994, Lance Corporal Kanteres received orders to the Quantico Marine Band, in Quantico, VA. While with the Quantico Marine Band he performed in such venues as the Halifax International Tattoo, the Marine Corps Marathon, and Sousa Hall with the Presidents Oen Marine Band. He also had the opportunity to perform for the First Lady and the Secretary of State.
In December of 1997, Sgt Kanteres returned to the Armed Forces School of Music for the Ceremonial Conductor/Drum Major Course of Instruction. Here, Sgt Kanteres studied advanced music theory, ear training, and the logistical requirements needed to maintain a Marine Band's daily schedule. Sgt Kanteres graduated from this course in June of 1998, and received orders to the Parris Island Marine Band, at the Parris Island Recruit Depot, in Beaufort, SC.
While with the Parris Island Marine Band, Sgt Kanteres was selected and promoted to Staff Sergeant. He had the oppurtunity to perform in several Mardi Gras Parades in New Orleans LA, the St. Patricks Day Parade in Savannah GA, and performed weekly graduations for hundreds of graduating Marines, and thousands of family members each week. While still at Parris Island, SSgt Kanteres also spent a year as a Platoon Sergeant for the band where he directly managed all of the unit's daily activities. At the same time, SSgt Kanteres received his first opportunity to display his abilities in teaching drill, leading the band on the march, and helping manage the band's schedule and logistics.
In March of 2001, at his request, SSgt Kanteres received orders to the 1st Marine Division Band at Camp Pendleton, CA. Upon his arrival, he was immediately appointed as the Administration Chief and the Assistant Drum Major for the band. SSgt Kanteres has had the opportunity to perform in such venues as the 2001 Rose Festival in Portland OR, the 2002 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena CA, and the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City UT.
SSgt Kanteres is currently fulfilling the position as the Drum Major for the 1st Marine Division Band. He lives in Oceanside, CA with his wife, and his hobbies include motorcycling, bicycling, and spending time with his dog on the beautiful beaches of Southern California.
Band Officer - CWO3 Michael W. Edmonson
Bandmaster -
MGySgt Steve R. Schweitzer
Enlisted Conductor - SSgt Joey A. Payton
Small Ensemble Leader - Yaphet K. Jones
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