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Albert F. Schoepper
Biography of Marine Band Assistant Director Albert F. Schoepper


Joined 1934 as a violinist
Second Leader/Assistant Director Feb. 28, 1951-May 1, 1955
First Leader/Director May 1, 1955-April 28, 1972

Albert F. Schoepper was appointed 22nd Leader/Director of the Marine Band May 1, 1955. Prior to that he was Assistant Director of the Marine Band for four years. Schoepper appeared at the White House before Presidents Francis D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard M. Nixon; the late King George of Greece; former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill; and many other visiting foreign dignitaries.

Schoepper began his musical training at age 7 under the tutelage of violinist Alfred Perrot. After graduating from high school, he entered the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., to study with Gustav Tinlot. He also studied conducting under Andre Polah, who was a pupil of Arthur Nikish.

In his early years with the Marine Band,, Schoepper was a frequent soloist on network radio programs and in concert performances. He performed with the Marine Chamber Orchestra as first deck violinist before many foreign heads of state. He also conducted at various White House engagements and led string ensembles at diplomatic functions.

Schoepper made his first White House appearance as conductor in 1942 before King George of Greece. Later, when the White House was being renovated, he conducted all the Blair House engagements for President and Mrs. Truman. Schoepper also conducted the Marine Band in concert and official ceremonies for the inaugurations of Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon.

Schoepper retired as Director of the Marine Band April 28, 1972, after 38 years. His honors include the Legion of Merit.