Featured The Life and Presidency of Herbert Hoover
The 2016 White House Christmas ornament honors the administration of the thirty-first president of the United States Herbert Hoover, who served...
Social Dancing at the White House
How Long? 2 minutes
Social dancing was especially enjoyed during the terms of Benjamin Harrison and William McKinley and its popularity within the White House reflected the changing times. While President Harrison enjoyed a form of waltz, known as "The German," McKinley at his Valentine’s Day Dance preferred the new two-step, such as "Goo-Goo Eyes," which illustrated the merging of ragtime and social dance as the century turned. But many distinguished performers appeared at the White House at this time, too. They included the great soprano "Black Patti" (Sissieretta Jones); the violinist, Joseph Douglass, grandson of orator and statesman, Frederick Douglass; and the composer and cellist, Ernest Lent, whose Piano Trio in B Major was probably the earliest serious chamber music performed at the White House [see more below]. The Lent ensemble played for President and Mrs. McKinley and seventy guests after a dinner for the Supreme Court in 1898, thus setting the stage for the state dinner/musicale pattern that would become the focal point for modern entertaining at the White House.
Landmark Era Performances
1892: John Philip Sousa completed a distinguished 12-year period as the director of the U.S. Marine Band bringing world fame to "The President's Own." He conducted the band's first sound recordings, initiated its first national concert tour, and started to write the marches that earned him the title "The March King."
1898: The Lent ensemble played for President and Mrs. McKinley and seventy guests after a dinner for the Supreme Court in 1898, setting the stage for the state dinner/musicale as the focal point for modern entertaining at the White House.
"Just Because She Made Dem Goo-Goo Eyes" (1900)
Courtesy of Arizona State University Music Library Sheet Music CollectionYou Might Also Like
-
-
The United States Marine Band: Musical Airs
"The White House has been a showcase for the performing arts and has vividly mirrored American life from its earliest...
-
The United States Marine Band: Origins & Traditions
The Marine Band, the first musical ensemble to perform at the White House, has provided a continual opportunity for presidents...
-
The United States Marine Band: Musicians
Since 1798, the Marine Band's primary mission has been to provide music for the President of the United States. Whether performing...
-
The United States Marine Band: The President's Own
A long and distinguished association with the presidency has honored the Marine Band. There is a sense of family among...
-
The United States Marine Band: Music as Diplomacy
Music has been an essential part of life in the White House from the earliest days of our nation, not...
-
The United States Marine Band: John Philip Sousa
John Philip Sousa, Director (1880-1892), brought world fame to "The President's Own." While the organization was already considered a national...
-
The Presidents and the National Parks
The national parks preceded the National Park Service, but the first great natural park was a state park. California’s Yo...
-
Foreword; White House History Number 30
President Taft, a frequent theater goer, was seated in his box at the National Theatre with his aide Archibald Butt,...
-
The United States Marine Band: In Performance
Many of the world's finest performing artists have shared the White House stage with the Marine Band. Great tenors and...
-
The United States Marine Band: Hail to the Chief
Hail to the Chief, with its preceding fanfare Ruffles and Flourishes, is traditionally played to announce the arrival of the...
-
The United States Marine Band: The Directors
During its first two centuries, the Marine Band has had 26 Directors. Each leader has contributed to the recognition and appreciation...