User:Chetsford/usmb
Military unit / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The United States Marine Band (also known as the U.S. Marine Band and "The President's Own") is a military band maintained by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), one of twelve such bands so-maintained by the USMC. Activated in 1798, and continuously operational since, it is the oldest professional music organization in the United States and among the oldest military units in the United States Armed Forces. The U.S. Marine Band was designated "The President's Own" by order of Thomas Jefferson and the band's principal mission is to provide music for the President of the United States.
United States Marine Band | |
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Active | 1798 – Present |
Allegiance | United States |
Branch | United States Marine Corps |
Type | Military band |
Role | Public duties |
Size | 160[1] |
Part of | Headquarters Marine Corps |
Garrison/HQ | Marine Barracks Washington |
Nickname(s) | "The President's Own" |
Patron | The President of the United States |
Engagements | Battle of Bladensburg[lower-alpha 1] |
Website | marineband |
Commanders | |
Director | Col. Jason Fettig |
Assistant Director | Capt. Ryan J. Nowlin |
Assistant Director | Capt. Bryan P. Sherlock |
Drum Major | Master Gunnery Sergeant Duane F. King |
Concert Mistress | Staff Sergeant Karen Johnson |
Notable commanders | John Philip Sousa Francis Scala Francesco Fanciulli Michael J. Colburn |
Insignia | |
Emblem |
The early development of the U.S. Marine Band was influenced by Italian martial music, performers from Italy were recruited to serve as members of the band and five of its early leaders were Italian natives, including Francis Scala who headed the band for 18 years. During the directorate of John Philip Sousa, the band established itself as one of the finest military bands in the world. It is one of the first known musical ensembles to have made sound recordings of its performances and was an inaugural inductee to the American Classical Music Hall of Fame.
The office of director of the Marine Band is established in the Law of the United States and he simultaneously serves as an official adviser to the President. The director of the Marine Band has been described as "the most powerful commander in the Marine Corps". As of 2019 the U.S. Marine Band is composed of 160 personnel and is directly subordinate to Headquarters Marine Corps. It is posted at Marine Barracks Washington.