BIOGRAPHY
United States Marine Band
The United States Marine Band was established by an Act of Congress on July 11, 1798, and is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Twenty-seven Directors have led the Marine Band throughout history, the most famous of whom was 17th Director John Philip Sousa. The current Director is Colonel Michael J. Colburn.
Many Marine Band musicians serve for 20 years or more and most hold advanced degrees from the world’s top music schools. They are chosen at auditions much like those of major symphony orchestras and perform as a part of the Marine Band, Marine Chamber Orchestra, and Marine Chamber Ensembles.
For concerts and official ceremonies, the U.S. Marine Band performs a varied repertoire, including:
* New works for wind ensemble
* Traditional concert band literature
* Challenging transcriptions of orchestral works
* Patriotic marches and popular favorites
During concerts, the Marine Band frequently features musicians in solo performances that highlight their virtuosity and artistry. Concerts are conducted by the Director and Assistant Directors and feature varied repertoire and diverse instrumentation.
The Marine Band’s performance schedule is coordinated by the Marine Band Branch of Headquarters Marine Corps Public Affairs, which works directly with the Director of the Marine Band and the Marine Band Operations Office to schedule performances and ceremonies by the band, chamber orchestra, and chamber ensembles.
Members of the Marine Band’s professional support staff, including the Library, Recording Lab, Stage Managers, and Stage Crew, as well as the Administration, Public Affairs, and Supply offices also work to coordinate, promote, and facilitate performances throughout the year.
Performances by the Marine Band include:
* White House events including State Dinners and formal receptions
* Public concerts in the Washington, D.C., area and across the nation during our Fall Concert Tour
* Washington, D.C., area military and patriotic ceremonies
* Full Honors Funerals at Arlington National Cemetery
* Friday Evening Parades at Marine Barracks Washington
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