For two centuries, the United States Marine Band has been present for those events which have shaped our national heritage. Its omnipresent role in events of national importance has made it part of the fabric of American life. Established by an act of Congress on July 11, 1798, the Marine Band’s primary mission has remained to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. As the only musical organization with that mission,the Marine Band looks to the future, viewing its history and traditions as foundations on which to build into its third century of bringing music to the White House and to America. The Marine Band travels across the country each year during its fall concert tour, a tradition that began in 1891 under its most famous director, composer John Philip Sousa.
