The oldest musical organization in the history of American Military music is the United States Marine Band. It is also the oldest professional musical organization in the country. It was created in 1798 by an act of Congress and signed by President John Adams. Adams invited the band to play at the Executive Mansion. It was designated “The Presidents Own.” Thomas Jefferson had the band play at his inauguration. Since then the Band has played at every presidential inauguration.
“Military bands educate, entertain and inspire the audiences for whom they perform and their history is far reaching,” said Mark Cantrell in an article from Military Officer “Strike up the Band.”
February marked the birthdays of two of our most famous and historically significant Presidents—George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. This also happens to be an election year complete with all the hoop-la, pomp and celebratory events that go along with it. Our nation’s military bands will be doing yeoman duty before and after the elections.
In an earlier article, “Music Careers in the Military,” (October 2009) I briefly described the nation’s military bands including: the bands of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard and of course, the Marine Band “The Presidents Own.”
The Marine Band is by far the oldest military band in the nation. It is housed in the Nation’s Capitol, Washington, D. C. The band and many of its smaller units Chamber Orchestra, Dance Band, Jazz Combos, Drum and Bugle Corps and other small ensembles play regularly at the White House – hence the name “The Presidents Own.”
The Marine Band first played a concert on radio in 1922. After that auspicious event the band played weekly radio concerts for the next 24 years.
Each fall, “The Presidents Own” performs concerts for tens of thousands of people in communities across America on its annual concert tour. The band performs at many venues both in the country and abroad. In October of each year the band performs on a month-long tour in different sections of America. They generally play to packed houses making it quite difficult to get a ticket. Needless to say they are very popular. That tradition of touring was started by none other than John Philip Sousa – the 17th director of the Marine Band.
John Philip Sousa
Any description or historical facts about the band would be incomplete and remiss without mention of its most famous director. Sousa was born in 1854. His father was a trombone player in the Marine Band. Sousa’s musical aptitude and talent was recognized at an early age. His father enlisted him in the Marine Band as a boy apprentice musician when he was 13 years old-after he tried to run away to join a circus band.
In 1880 at the age of 26, Sousa was appointed conductor of the Marine Band, a post he held until 1892 when he resigned to form his own band. He led the Marine Band under five Presidents.
During World War I he was commissioned a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Naval Reserve and led the Navy Band at the Great Lakes Naval Station near Chicago. After returning to his own band at the end of the war, he continued to wear his naval uniform for most of his concerts and other public appearances. Sousa died in 1932. Ironically he was quoted as saying, “When you hear of Sousa retiring, you will hear of Sousa dead!”
When enlistments are up or bandsmen retire, nationwide openings are posted for certain positions in the Marine Band. Rigorous auditions are held for the most proficient musicians. Candidates must be very advanced, accomplished and of symphony orchestra caliber to be chosen. Many are graduates of the nations top music conservatories. Many of them hold masters degrees in performance. They must also be physically and emotionally able to carry out military duties and responsibilities. Bandsmen sign a four year contract and start at the rank of Staff Sergeant.
The Marine Band produces recordings for educational purposes and to enhance the public affairs and community relations of the United States Marine Corps. To learn more about the Marine Band audio resources and download music visit www.marineband.usmc.mil/audio_resources.
If a person loves to play his/her instrument and wants a good job with excellent benefits and salary – why not a career in a service band? What a great way to do what you love and also serve your country.
Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net.
Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.
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