Photo By Staff Sgt. Abbigayle Williams | U.S. Marines conduct a pass and review as “The President’s Own” United States...... read more read more
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The United States Marine Band, famously known as "The President's Own," has long been a cornerstone of American tradition, especially when it comes to the presidential inauguration. As the official music ensemble for the commander in chief, the band plays a vital role in bringing the inauguration to life, setting the tone for one of the nation's most significant ceremonies.
For the 60th Presidential Inauguration, the Marine Band's preparations are meticulous as ever.
"The presidential inauguration is one of the biggest jobs, if not the biggest job that we do," said Gunnery Sgt. Kristin Bowers, a clarinetist with the Marine Band. "So that is going to be first and foremost what we’re putting all of our efforts towards in the next few months."
This focus speaks to the gravity of the occasion, as the Marine Band will be tasked with performing at multiple events, from the swearing-in ceremony to the inaugural parade.
At the heart of the inauguration is the Marine Band’s participation in the swearing-in ceremony itself, where the ensemble performs directly beneath the dais—the platform where the president takes the oath of office.
"The Marine Band plays under the dais at the actual swearing in ceremony," said Gunnery Sgt. Hiram Diaz, a euphoniumist with the Marine Band. "That’s amazing and unbelievably historic to be just feet from where the inauguration happens."
This proximity to the event's central moment makes the band's role especially symbolic, as it represents the close connection with the military and the peaceful transfer of power.
Beyond the ceremonial aspect, the band also plays a crucial part in the inaugural parade, where they form a "block band" made up of 99 musicians—a formation unique to this event.
"We will do a block band that doesn’t exist in any other formation other than the Inaugural parade," said Diaz. "Ninety-nine Marine musicians will march up and down Pennsylvania Avenue, which is a sight to behold."
The parade offers a chance to showcase the precision and unity that have become synonymous with the Marine Band. As the band members gear up for this historic event, they are also looking forward to the musical selections that will accompany the day’s festivities.
"We always have really great musical selections for the inauguration," noted Bowers. "There are usually some new works and commissions by American composers, so I am looking forward to finding out what we’re going to be performing and showing off for the world."
The Marine Band's contributions to the inauguration go beyond providing music—they help encapsulate the spirit of the nation at a pivotal moment in its history. From the moment the first notes are played on the Capitol steps to the final march down Pennsylvania Avenue, "The President's Own" stands as a proud and timeless symbol of American unity and tradition.
| Date Taken: | 11.07.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.08.2024 13:09 |
| Story ID: | 484815 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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