It became customary for the different presidents to ask the band to perform many and varied services. Jefferson, during his presidency, received a huge cheese weighing 750 pounds from some of his enthusiastic admirers. He invited his friends to share the tasty delicacy and had the Marine Band play for their entertainment. Some years later when President Jackson was presented with a 1,400 pound cheese, he wanted the Band’s music to accompany the feasting of his guests too. But play as they would, no one heard them; for on that occasion the public stormed the White House, ruining carpets and furnishings in attempts to get portions of the immense cheese they had heard about.
Not only has this famous band played for the highest officials at all White House and State social affairs, but also for the first children’s party at the White House which was given by President Jackson. The youngsters at the first egg-rolling on the White House lawn were serenaded by the Marine Band.
The Marine Band has always been a part of inauguration ceremonies. It played at the first inaugural ball, James Madison’s, at Long’s Hotel. And beginning with that of James Monroe, this group has played at almost every inaugural ceremony, and it has marched in every inaugural parade.
President Lincoln insisted that the Marine Band give frequent out-of-door concerts during the Civil War to help the morale of the people in Washington. It accompanied him to Gettysburg when he delivered his famous address.
During its long life—more than 170 years—the Marine Band has had eighteen leaders. Although each did his best according to his musical training and experience, it was not until John Philip Sousa took over the leadership that the band reached the highest peak of its achievement.
The vigorous and dynamic Sousa saw the band’s possibilities and things began to happen. He reorganized the personnel and increased the number of players. He inspired his men to high performance. He persuaded Congress to send them on nation-wide tours. Soon the Marine Band was the best-known and most popular band in America.
Other leaders have carried on where Sousa left off—Francisco Fanciulli, W. H. Santelmann, Taylor Branson and W. F. Santelmann. The work of its great leaders together with the invention and improvement of instruments has revolutionized the Marine Band’s performance since the fife and drum days of 1775.
“The motto of the Marine Corps, Semper Fidelis—Always Faithful—is the keynote to which the band strives and it hopes to bring honor, glory and distinction to its proud history.”
