"The President's Own" United States Marine Band

Happy National Band Director's Day!

Today, we celebrate the dedication and leadership of band directors everywhere. Since its founding in 1798, "The President's Own" United States Marine Band has been guided by a legacy of exceptional musical leaders. From its first leader, William Farr, to its 29th director, Lieutenant Col. Ryan Nowlin, each has shaped generations of musicians through discipline, artistry and service.

Was there a band director who helped shape your love of music? Share in the comments below ⬇️

Summer starts here 🇺🇸 🎶

Join "The President's Own" United States Marine Band at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts! Enjoy an unforgettable evening of iconic American music, powerful patriotic favorites, and a spectacular fireworks finale under the stars.

This beloved Memorial Day weekend tradition is free and open to the public, making it the perfect way to celebrate the start of summer with family, friends and live music.

Registration is strongly encouraged for this event. To register: https://www.wolftrap.org/show/blast-off/

📍 Wolf Trap - Filene Center
🗓️ May 24
⏰ 8 PM (Gates open at 6:30 PM)

On May 14, 2026, musicians from "The President's Own" United States Marine Band supported the funeral for Master Gunnery Sgt. Luke Spiros (USMC, Ret.) at Arlington National Cemetery. Master Gunnery Sgt. Spiros was formerly a principal euphonium for “The President’s Own” and served with the Marine Band for 22 years.

(U.S. Marine Corps photos by Staff Sgt. Isaac Mei)

in 1897, "The Stars and Stripes Forever" had its premiere at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. In 1987, Congress passed legislation making it the national march of the United States. Tell us about a time you played or heard "The Stars and Stripes Forever!"

To read more about the march or to download the track/sheet music, click here: https://www.marineband.marines.mil/Audio-Resources/The-Complete-Marches-of-John-Philip-Sousa/The-Stars-and-Stripes-Forever-March/

Behind every great performance, there is an unwavering foundation of love and support. Happy Mother's Day to the women who instilled the rhythm, harmony and dedication in our musicians!

Enjoy a few special moments featuring some of our Marines with the mothers who guided them along their musical journeys:

Pictured: Master Gunnery Sgt. Steven Williams, Drum Major
Pictured: Capt. Jose D. Toranzo, Assistant Director
Pictured: Staff Sgt. James McAloon, Trumpet/Cornet
Pictured: Master Gunnery Sgt. Alan Prather, Guitar
Pictured: Gunnery Sgt. Caroline Bean Stute, Cello
Pictured: Master Sgt. Rachel Ghadiali, Office of Communication
Pictured: Master Gunnery Sgt. Kenneth Wolin, Percussion
Pictured: Master Gunnery Sgt. Michelle Urzynicok, Clarinet

Inaugural Norwegian Armed Forces Day 🇳🇴

On May 5, 2026, musicians from “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band supported a reception in celebration of the Inaugural Norwegian Armed Forces Day at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Norwegian Embassy in Washington

📸: SSgt. Caitlin Pool | U.S. Marine Corps

This year marks the 140th anniversary of John Philip Sousa's "The Gladiator."

In 1885, Sousa wrote "The Honored Dead" for Stopper and Fisk, a music publisher in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. They were so pleased that they asked him to write a quickstep march. He responded with "The Gladiator," but they rejected it. Sousa later sold it to Harry Coleman of Philadelphia, and it eventually sold over one million copies. “The Gladiator” was the first Sousa composition to reach such wide circulation.

Listen here:

United States Marine Band 1.7K likes, 67 comments. "SOUSA The Gladiator (1886) - "The President's Own" United States Marine Band"

On May 3, the Marine Band, conducted by Associate Director Capt. Darren Y. Lin, performed the concert "Sonnets, Jazz and Morse Code" at Northern Virginia Community College's Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. The concert featured solo performances by soprano vocalist Staff Sgt. Hannah Davis and violinist Master Sgt. Sheng-Tsung Wang. (Official USMC photos by Master Sgt. Brian Rust/released)

Calling all high school musicians! The Marine Band’s 2027 Concerto Competition for High School Musicians is officially open for applications. The winner will appear as a guest soloist with the Marine Band during the 2027 Spring concert season and receive a $2,500 scholarship from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

This competition is open to high school musicians (grades 9-12) enrolled during the 2026-2027 academic year. Woodwind, brass and percussion players are eligible to apply.

Learn more and apply today! https://www.marineband.marines.mil/Educational/Concerto-Competition/

“The President’s Own” has never been to space, but friends of the Marine Band certainly have. 🚀

In 1962, Senator John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth. After serving in the Marine Corps for 21 years and retiring as a Colonel, he was elected as a U.S. Senator from Ohio in 1974 and served until 1999. In October 1998, at 77 years old, he became the oldest man ever to venture into space. That record stood for 23 years.

*Pictured: Glenn with then Assistant Director of the Marine Band, Capt. Dale Harpham (1962) / Glenn with Marine Band Director Col. Michael Colburn and Drum Major William Kanteres (2005)*

Join "The President's Own" United States Marine Band this Sunday at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center for a unique concert featuring a melting pot of musical styles and cultural influences.

Michael Daugherty’s Labyrinth of Love is inspired by the love poetry and prose of eight different female poets, each from different cultures all over the world, while Zhou Tian’s Sinfonia is a collage of musical postcards each highlighting a time or place that is close to the composer’s heart. Don’t miss this confluence of culture through music!