“The President's Own” United States Marine Band

For more than two centuries, the United States Marine Band has been part of events that have shaped the nation. Established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the Marine Band is America's oldest professional musical organization. Its primary mission is unique—to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps.

Now in its third century, the Marine Band continues a tradition of excellence that earned the title “The President's Own” from President Thomas Jefferson. Musicians are selected at auditions like those of major symphony orchestras, and they enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps for duty with the Marine Band only. Most members are graduates of the nation's finest music schools, and nearly 60 percent hold advanced degrees in music.