The mission of the Marine Band ““ nicknamed “The President’s Own” by Thomas Jefferson during his time in office ““ is to provide music for the president and the commandant of the Marine Corps.
However, in its national tours, the band serves to spread patriotism and pride in music and the armed services, whether they’re playing at the Kennedy Center, Royce Hall or a high school gymnasium.
On Oct. 26, the Marine Band will perform at Royce Hall. The concert is part of the band’s tour of the West Coast, which it does every five years. The years in between are spent touring the other four regions of the nation between October and November.
In the months when “The President’s Own” is not touring, the musicians spend their time providing music for various functions and receptions at the White House and surrounding areas.
Since its inception in 1798 by John Adams, the group has a history of gaining close relationships with the president of the United States. Abraham Lincoln even reportedly chose traveling with the band over traveling with other politicians, while John F. Kennedy said, “The Marine Band and I intend to hold the White House against all odds.”
Playing on the West Coast gives band members an opportunity to see what patriotism is like on this side of the country, away from the nation’s capital.
“We enjoy great audience response all around the country, but there really is something special about the West Coast community. This is actually my third West Coast tour, and I’ve always been amazed not only by the size of the crowd, but the enthusiasm that they display at our concerts as well,” said Colonel Michael J. Colburn, who is serving his fifth year as director and 20th year overall with the Marine Band.
For band members originally from the West Coast, the tour can be just as exciting. Staff Sergeant Tessa Gross, oboist and English hornist with “The President’s Own,” is originally from Santa Monica.
“I’ve just enjoyed seeing more of the West Coast. … It’s really interesting to see the different cities along the way,” Gross said. “My sister’s actually a UCLA alumna, and I started my undergrad at UC Santa Barbara, so playing at UCLA is definitely one of the highlights of the tour for me.”
No matter where “The President’s Own” is performing, the excitement from the audience makes each performance a treat.
“The audience is what makes all our concerts. Especially on tour the audience is so excited to be there, and we get a standing ovation at every concert. It’s just such a thrill to look out at the audience and see so many people proud to be Americans and proud to be at our concerts and enjoy the music. It’s a whole other type of audience than when we’re at the White House,” Gross said.
The excitement is largely due to the fact that, like the band, people from all over the nation have come together to serve in the armed forces.
“People are always so excited to hear our national march, and especially hear our national march played by “˜The President’s Own,’ the group that has been playing it longer than any other ensemble in the country,” Colburn said.
“In many ways the Marine Band looks like waving an American flag. Our uniforms are red, white, and blue, and we have been associated with this country and of course the Marine Corps since our inception in 1798.”
“I don’t think you could find anything that serves patriotism more than the Marine Band playing “˜Stars and Stripes Forever’ or the “˜Armed Forces Medley.'”
When “The President’s Own” performs the “Armed Forces Medley,” an arrangement of all five military songs, those with prior service and those with family in the armed forces are asked to stand when they hear their respective themes being played.
“That’s always a thing that gives you a little chill down your back, when you’ll be playing and you’ll look out into the audience and see … an older gentleman standing up with pride when the Marine song is played or the Army song is played. It makes you feel like what you’re doing is really very worthwhile,” said Master Sergeant Matthew Harding, trumpeter and cornetist for the Marine Band.
For Harding, playing in “The President’s Own” has not only helped him spread patriotism but also allowed him to gain insight into the dedication of United States citizens.
“The longer I’ve been in the Marine Corps, I’ve become connected with (patriotism). It’s such a big part of what we do and not just working with the musicians I do but working at Marine barracks,” Harding said. “It gives you a new respect and gratitude for what this country offers.”