jmc's classics
Today is the 225th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Band. This is the oldest of the American military bands. It is also the most prestigious of the military bands. It is sometimes referred to as "The president's own" because since 1801 it has had close ties to the presidents. The tradition began in 1801 when president John Adams asked them to play at a party.
Today the band has 160 members on various instruments. They play at state events. In October and November they go on a concert tour. John Philip Sousa was one of the early directors. Thee requirements to join the band are strict. The potential member must audition and pass a security clearance and be a marine. Along with the Coast Guard Band, they are not require to undergo recruit training. They are not assigned to any unit except for the band. They usually play at the presidential inauguration. They play about 500 events a year. The term in the band is for 10 years. The band plays a variety of music including marches and some popular and classical music. There is some kind of marine chamber orchestra but I know very little about them. They have made various recordings. There are probably a lot of You Tube videos of them. There are various other military bands in America but the Marine band is the most prestigious one. Their sister band is the Marine Fife and Drum Core. The Military Band is one of 10 active duty bands. During this time of year military band music is popular.
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