Advances in Entertaining
First Lady Helen Taft loved entertaining and White House hospitality during the Taft administration centered on the dining table, where...
The United States Marine Band: In Performance
How Long? 1 minute
Gallery
-
1 of 3
President Gerald Ford watches Pearl Bailey as she joins the Marine Chamber Orchestra for an impromptu performance after a State Dinner for the Shah and Empress of Iran, May 15, 1975.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum/NARA -
2 of 3
"The President's Own" provided after-dinner music for the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales, November 9, 1985. First Lady Nancy Reagan encouraged actor John Travolta to dance with Princess Diana to music from his hit movie Saturday Night Fever.
Ronald W. Reagan Presidential Library/NARA -
3 of 3
President and Mrs. Gerald Ford listen to an impromptu trumpet performance by legendary bandleader Harry James, backed up by a Marine dance band, after the State Dinner for President and Mrs. Walter Scheel of the Federal Republic of Germany, June 16, 1975.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
Many of the world's finest performing artists have shared the White House stage with the Marine Band. Great tenors and divas, maestros and virtuosos, Broadway stars and jazz greats have all become part of the social history of the White House.
"Ever since this wonderful house was built, it has been filled with music. Thomas Jefferson played his violin and Harry Truman played his piano in this [East] room.The Marine Band has serenaded countless foreign dignitaries at state dinners and some of the world's most dazzling performers have appeared beneath these chandeliers." Nancy Reagan, In Performance at the White House, August 10, 1988, PBS television program.
You Might Also Like
-
-
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: The Directors
During its first two centuries, the Marine Band has had 26 Directors. Each leader has contributed to the recognition and appreciation...
-
“A Charming Resort”
For nearly a century, the United States Marine Band’s Saturday afternoon public concerts on the south grounds of the Wh...
-
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: 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: 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 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...
-
Notable State Dinners at the White House
December 12, 1874: First state dinner for a foreign head of state King David Kalakaua of the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii). Hosted by...
-
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...
-
Music and Musical Performances in the White House Timeline
1790sBefore the White House was completed in 1800, President George Washington and his wife Martha lived first in New York City,...
-
A Country Evening in the East Room
President Richard Nixon and First Lady Patricia Nixon instituted many changes and improvements to the White House during their time...