Collection A Tour of the White House
In 1961, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy resolved to make the White House a “living museum” by restoring the historic integrity of the...
The United States Marine Band: The Directors
Gallery
-
William H. Santelmann, Director (1898-1927), served for 29 years—the longest of any bandleader. He joined the band under Sousa, and played violin, clarinet, and baritone horn. Santelmann was credited with expanding the orchestral component of the band by requiring all wind and percussion performers to be proficient in stringed instruments.
Untied States Marine Band -
During his distinguished 30-year career, Lieutenant Colonel Timothy W. Foley has served as assistant solo clarinetist, Assistant Director, and since 1996, as the 26th Director. On July 11, 1998, he led the band into its third century.
United States Marine Band
During its first two centuries, the Marine Band has had 26 Directors. Each leader has contributed to the recognition and appreciation of "The President's Own" through their original band compositions, orchestral transcriptions, and programming. Directors serve as music advisor to the White House and traditionally are selected from within the band's membership. As the Sousa baton is a symbol of his dedication, leadership, and vision is passed to an incoming Director, so too is passed 200 years of history and tradition.
You Might Also Like
-
-
Collection Eleanor Roosevelt's "My Day"
The White House Historical Association and the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project present this collaboration in an effort to open a...
-
Collection Dining in the Executive Mansion
A dinner at the White House has always had significance beyond the merely gastronomical. The elegance of the State Dining...
-
Collection Animal Ambassadors
Animals, whether pampered household pets, working livestock, birds, squirrels, or strays, have long been a major part of White House...
-
Collection The First Ladies
Biographies & Portraits
-
Collection The Presidents
Biographies & Portraits
-
Collection The White House Social Secretary
For more than one hundred years, White House Social Secretaries have displayed a profound knowledge of protocol and society in...
-
Collection "The President's Own"
On July 11, 1798, President John Adams approved legislation that officially brought "The President's Own" United States Marine Band into being, making...
-
Collection The Hospitality of Diplomacy
The White House has hosted many important heads of state over the years. Typically, the President and First Lady join...
-
Collection White House Easter Egg Roll
Since 1878, American presidents and their families have celebrated Easter Monday by hosting an "egg roll" party. Held on the South...
-
Collection Fourth of July at the White House
It was President Thomas Jefferson who first established the traditions of a Fourth of July celebration at the White House....
-
Collection The 2016 White House Christmas Ornament
Every year since 1981, the White House Historical Association has had the privilege of designing the Official White House Christmas Ornament....
