Hi Everyone!
This week we had some special visitors to Ann Arbor, The President's Own! The United States Marine Band, also known as "The President's Own," performed at Hill Auditorium last Wednesday night. Originally created in 1798 by an Act of Congress, The President's Own is the oldest professional musical organization in America, and their purpose is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. However, it is not to be confused with the Drum and Bugle Corps, also known as "The Commandant's Own. " Since 1801, when The President's Own performed for the inauguration of Thomas Jefferson, the Marine Band has played at every presidential inauguration, and it was even President Jefferson who gave them their famous nickname!
Every fall The President's Own goes on tour throughout the United States (a tradition started by John Philip Sousa- their 17th director), and they have even traveled abroad to Russia, England, Norway, Ireland, the Netherlands and Switzerland! Members of The President's Own are enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, but unlike the other twelve marine bands, they are not required to undergo military training. Ann Arbor was especially happy to welcome the Marine Band back since their last visit to Pioneer High School in November 2003. Every time I hear them play I am blown away by their level of excellence, and this time they took the audience on a magical journey around the world from a fiesta in Mexico to a sunken cathedral on a mythical island in France to a fireworks display in Russia! My family was happy to see a friend again who is now a member of the clarinet section, and we gave a huge round of applause when they asked the Wolverine alumni from the Marine Band to stand. They are truly an outstanding band and if you want to see for yourself check out "The Stars and Stripes Forever" or "The Marines' Hymn." The next time that you are able you really need to stop and hear The President's Own Marine Band! Have a great week, everyone!
1 comment:
Thanks for a great post, Erin. This was a fun concert for a number of reasons, but the audience enthusiasm, the programming variety, and the performance level (naturally) was all memorable. The President's Own is changing its tour schedule (1 month on tour each year instead of 2) so there's a good chance they won't be back to Ann Arbor until 2018! I'm glad we got to hear them when we did.
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