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| The United States
Marine Band has been part of the events that have shaped our
national heritage for more than two centuries. Its
omnipresent role in events of national importance has made
it part of the fabric of American life.
Whether performing
for South Lawn arrival ceremonies, State Dinners, or
receptions, Marine Band musicians appear at the White House
more than 200 times each year. These performances range from
a solo harpist or chamber orchestra to a dance band or full
concert band, making versatility an important requirement
for band members. Additionally, the band participates in
more than 500 public and official performances annually,
including concerts and ceremonies throughout the Washington,
DC, metropolitan area.
From the earliest
days of our nation, music has been part of life in the White
House and an element of international diplomacy. It has
allowed us to celebrate, to mourn, to honor, and to
remember. The music of the Marine Band has spoken eloquently
about who Americans are as people. The band's integral role
in our government's official life has affirmed the
importance of the arts as a bridge between peoples.
As the Marine Band
enters its third century, it continues a tradition of
excellence that earned it the title, "The President's
Own." Whether in White House performances, public
concerts, or national tours, the music of the Marine Band is
the music of America.
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The
History of the
Marine Band |
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JULY
11, 1798
In the
nation’s capital of Philadelphia, President John
Adams signed an Act of Congress establishing the
United States Marine Band. The original "32
drummers and fifers" assisted in recruiting
and entertained residents.
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| AUGUST
21, 1800
The Marine
Band presented its first public concert in
Washington "on a hill overlooking the
Potomac" near the future site of the Lincoln
Memorial. Early settlers thronged to hear the
"Marines’ band of music."
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| JANUARY
1, 1801
The band
made its White House debut in the unfinished
Executive Mansion at a New Year’s Day reception
hosted by President and Mrs. John Adams.
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MARCH
4, 1801
The Marine
Band performed for Thomas Jefferson’s inaugural.
Jefferson, an avid music lover and amateur
violinist, gave the Marine Band the title
"The President’s Own." Since that
time, the band has played for every presidential
inaugural.
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| MARCH
4, 1809
The Marine
Band performed for James Madison’s Presidential
inaugural ball, the first ever held. The
President, First Lady Dolley Madison, and their
guests were serenaded by popular songs and dances
of the period.
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JULY
4, 1828
The Marine
Band first performed "Hail to the Chief"
for a President when John Quincy Adams attended
the groundbreaking of the C&O Canal.
Newspapers reported, "airs from the Marine
Band lightened the toil..."
click
here for more on "Hail to the Chief"
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| NOVEMBER
19, 1863
The band
accompanied President Lincoln to Gettysburg for
the dedication of the National Cemetery and his
immortal Gettysburg Address. During the Civil War,
the Marine Band lifted spirits with concerts in
Lafayette Park across from the White House.
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OCTOBER
1, 1880
25-year-old
John Philip Sousa was appointed 17th Leader, a
post he held for 12 years. During this time, the
band made its first concert tour, premiered many
of Sousa’s most famous marches, and produced
some of the first phonograph recordings ever made.
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| MAY
17, 1922
Music of
"The President’s Own" reached homes
across the nation when the first Marine Band radio
program was broadcast. Other broadcasts continued,
including "The Dream Hour," which became
the longest sustaining program on network radio.
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MAY
20, 1943
The band
performed a special wartime concert on the White
House South Lawn for President Roosevelt and
Winston Churchill. Despite a steady rain,
Roosevelt and Churchill stayed throughout and sang
"The Battle Hymn of the Republic" with
the band at the conclusion.
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| NOVEMBER
25, 1963
As the
nation mourned and the world watched, the Marine
Band, at the request of Mrs. Kennedy, led the
funeral procession of President John F. Kennedy.
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JULY
4, 1986
Amid
fireworks and celebration, the Marine Band
performed in New York City for the rededication of
the Statue of Liberty, recreating the band’s
performance under John Philip Sousa for the
original dedication ceremonies 100 years earlier.
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| FEBRUARY
6-23, 1990
Combining
music of Sousa with images of Lenin, the Marine
Band toured five cities in the former Soviet
Union, becoming the only American military band to
tour the USSR before its transformation into
independent states.
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JULY
11, 1998
"The
President’s Own" U.S. Marine Band,
America’s oldest professional musical
organization, marks 200 years as an integral part
of our nation’s cultural heritage. Like the
monuments it has helped dedicate, the Marine Band
stands as a symbol of the traditions and ideals on
which our country was founded.
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| Today's
Marine Band is a far different organization from
that of Sousa's time, yet it is one which he would
recognize and of which he would approve. The
changes have been developmental: of growth and
improvement rather than fundamental changes in
mission and orientation. |
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| Since
1798, the Marine Band's primary mission has
remained to provide music for the President of the
United States and the Commandant of the Marine
Corps. As the only musical organization with that
mission, the Marine Band looks to the future,
viewing its history and traditions as foundations
on which to build into its third century of
bringing music to the White House and to America. |
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| The
Marines' Hymn |
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The
Stars and
Stripes Forever |
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