United States Marine Band

Established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the United States Marine Band is America's oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Its mission is unique—to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Marine Band musicians appear in more than 500 public and official performances annually, including State Dinners, South Lawn arrivals, and events of national significance. These performances vary in size, from small ensembles like a solo pianist, jazz combo or brass quintet to larger ones like a country band, dance band or full concert band. Musicians are selected at auditions much like those of major symphony orchestras, and they enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps for permanent duty with the Marine Band. Most of today's members are graduates of the nation's finest music schools, and more than 60 percent hold advanced degrees in music. The Marine Band's integral role in the national culture and in the government's official life has affirmed the importance of the arts as a bridge between people. As the only musical organization with that mission, the Marine Band looks to the future, viewing its history and tradition as the foundation upon which to build its third century of bringing music to the White House and the American people.