Since 1997, I have been a member of the trumpet/cornet section of “The President’s Own'” United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C. This ensemble has the distinction of being the oldest continually active professional musical organization in America (it was established by an Act of Congress in 1798). Its primary mission is to provide music for The President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The band’s most famous director was John Philip Sousa, who served as its 17th director from 1880 to 1892.
The entire organization encompasses about 155 members. This includes the band’s command structure, performing musicians (winds, percussion, strings) and support staff. The ensemble has 19 trumpet players. It is important for us to have this size of a section to be able to carry out our various responsibilities. Within the trumpet section, there are two designated players who carry out duties as Principal Trumpet and Solo Cornet, respectively. We also have a member of the section who carries out the responsibilities of Section Leader/Section Commander. Principal Trumpet and Solo Cornet have important musical leadership, and the Section leader/Section Commander takes care of the administrative responsibilities that exist (i.e. job assignments, etc.).
Our schedule changes from week to week depending on what is on the schedule. If there is a concert (band, orchestra, chamber, or jazz), there will be players who are assigned specifically to those concerts/rehearsals. Any other ceremonial work (i.e. full honors funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, as one example) during that given week will be taken care of by the other players.
As a member of the band, we specifically win a job and have a contract for duties with “The President’s Own” only. Therefore, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. is a permanent duty station for the band’s members. Auditions for the job are only done when there is an opening (due to a retirement, or someone deciding to leave). Those interested in auditioning come to Washington, D.C. Prepared material is performed behind a screen for a committee. A final audition round (or rounds) is usually done with the screen down. Prepared material and sight reading are done in these rounds. Additionally, through the audition process, it is determined whether potential members will be able to meet the requirements to join the Marine Corps. Though it is not required, most performing members have college degrees (many with multiple ones) and have significant high level conservatory training.
Examples of a few of the band’s more high profile events include musical support for Presidential Inaugurations (every four years), State Funerals, and our annual fall national concert tours (performing 29 concerts in 31 days). Recently, the Marine Chamber Orchestra provided musical support for President H.W. Bush’s State Funeral at the Washington National Cathedral.
Flexibility and versatility are often important components for success in our work. Often no two weeks are alike for any member. Personally, I like this aspect of the job in that it can provide a good variety and opportunity.
I’ve certainly had experiences I never thought I would have as a musician by being a member of the band. It has been an honor to serve our country, and to serve alongside my wonderful colleagues who possess the highest level of artistry and professionalism in their work.
Check out Susan at work. She is under the “The Presidents” in the opening graphic.
