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Candidates perform behind a screen for an audition committee, interview with key personnel, and undergo a White House security check. Once selected and enlisted, they are assigned exclusively to the Marine Band.
United States Marine Band
The Marine Band with Director W.H. Santelmann at the White House, 1921. A review of the band's membership shows representation of heritage and nationality from numerous regions worldwide.
United States Marine Band
The United State Marine Band, "The President's Own," rehearses for the 55th Presidential Inauguration under the direction of U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael J. Colburn at the Marine Barracks Annex at Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2005.
National Archives and Records Administration
One of the 21 female members of The President's Own waits to play her part of the musical composition at the U.S. Capitol on Inauguration Day, January 20, 1981.
National Archives and Records AdministrationAbout this Gallery
Since 1798, the Marine Band's primary mission has been to provide music for the President of the United States. Whether performing for South Lawn arrival ceremonies, state dinners, receptions, or accompanying famous entertainers, the musicians appear at the White House nearly 200 times annually. These performances range from a solo pianist or harpist to the full concert band. Today's Marine Band musicians graduates of our nation's most prestigious music schools are selected at highly competitive auditions and often hold advanced degrees in music.
Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., the nation’s only unelected president and vice president, served thirteen terms in Congress before rising to national attention in 1973, when President Richard Nixon nominated him as vice president. Less than a year later, Ford became president, following President Nixon's resignation from office. The Fords made and celebrated history during their time in the White House, fr
Featuring John Chuldenko, writer, director, and grandson of President Jimmy Carter
Featuring Bartlett Sher, Tony Award-winning Director and Resident Director at Lincoln Center Theater
A State Dinner honoring a visiting head of government or reigning monarch is one of the grandest and most glamorous of White House affairs. It is part of an official State Visit and provides the president and first lady the opportunity to honor the visiting head of state and his or her spouse. In this collection, explore the history of
It was President Thomas Jefferson who first established the traditions of a Fourth of July celebration at the White House. President Jefferson opened the house and greeted the people along with diplomats, civil and military officers, and Cherokee chiefs. Since that time, the festivities have evolved to include parades, fireworks, and live music. The Executive Mansion is an enduring symbol
On July 11, 1798, Congress passed legislation that created the United States Marine Corps and the Marine Band, America's oldest professional musical organization. The United States Marine Band has been nicknamed "The President's Own" because of its historic connection to the president of the United States. At its origin, the fledgling band consisted of a Drum Major, a Fife Major and 32 drums
In April 1789, George Washington took the oath of office in New York City. Constitutional guidelines for inaugurations are sparse, offering only the date and the words of the oath. All else is driven by tradition. After the oath is administered the president gives an address, usually one stressing national unity. Inaugural events have become more elaborate over the years, including
Featuring Betty Monkman, Former White House Curator, and William Kloss, Art Historian
Featuring Jim McDaniel, former Director of the White House Liaison for NPS and Ellie Schafer, former Director of the White House Visitors Office
Featuring Edward Lengel, White House Historical Association Chief Historian, and Matthew Costello, White House Historical Association Senior Historian
