News

Marine Band Concert: Portraits - Sunday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. - From Don Quichotte, Dulcinee, and Desi Arnaz to Sir Edward Elgar’s “friends pictured within” his magnum opus, this concert paints a series of musical portraits culminating in the renowned Enigma Variations, which celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. The gallery will also feature James Syler’s new work Love Among the Ruins for viola, winds, and percussion, inspired by Robert Browning’s riveting poem of the same name. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will take place at Northern Virginia Community College's Schlesinger Concert Hall in Alexandria.

Marine Chamber Orchestra: Beethoven's First Symphony - Sunday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. - With his First Symphony, Ludwig van Beethoven established himself as the heir of the Classical symphony. This bold offering made clear the composer’s adventurous appetite to expand and develop the genre, taking it to heights never before imagined. The program will also feature Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon, as well as Felix Mendelssohn’s mysterious and captivating Hebrides Overture, also known as “Fingal’s Cave.” A horn quartet will offer pre-concert music in the lobby beginning at 1:15 p.m. The concert, which is free, will take place at Northern Virginia Community College's Schlesinger Concert Hall in Alexandria.

Chamber Music Series - Sunday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. - Coordinated by co-principal flute Master Sgt. Elisabeth Plunk, this concert will feature several different ensembles formed by members of “The President’s Own,” including a string quartet; a brass quintet; a marimba quartet; a clarinet, piano, and vocal trio; and a gypsy jazz ensemble featuring violin, bass, guitar, and accordion. The concert, which is free, will take place in John Philip Sousa Band Hall at the Marine Barracks Annex in Washington, DC.

Marine Band Concert: My Hands Are a City - Sunday, Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. - Jonathan Newman’s Symphony No. 1, My Hands Are a City is a musical depiction of the nation, specifically New York, through the lens of mid-20th century “beat” artists. The historic city of Vienna inspired Franz von Suppé’s Overture, depicting scenes throughout the day in this musical gem. British composer Adam Gorb’s Adrenaline City Overture is inspired by 21st century life in London, both stressful and vibrant, while Aaron Copland’s Quiet City displays the moments of solitude and quiet that inhabitants are capable of stealing away during a late night in the city. A string quartet will offer pre-concert music in the lobby beginning at 1:15 p.m. The concert, which is free, will take place at Northern Virginia Community College's Schlesinger Concert Hall in Alexandria.

Sousa Season Opener Concert - This concert will no be impacted by the government shutdown. Sunday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. - John Philip Sousa re-entered the service of his country at the age of 64, joining the U.S. Navy during World War I to train bands at the Great Lakes Naval Center outside of Chicago. When the end of the Great War came with the Armistice in November of 1918, Sousa returned to his status as one of the foremost bandleaders and composers in America and his famous Sousa Band resumed touring. The 1919 tour took the band coast to coast with Sousa’s signature musical program mix. But after the Armistice, the concerts also included references to the losses of war and the need for the country to come together to heal. This year’s Sousa Season Opener largely takes its inspiration from this first post-War tour and Sousa’s return to the podium to share his unique brand of musicianship with Americans across the nation. The concert, which is free and no tickets required, will take place at George Mason University's Center for the Arts Concert Hall in Fairfax, Va.

To Make Us Proud: A Leonard Bernstein Tribute - The Marine Band's 34th educational recording To Make Us Proud: A Leonard Bernstein Tribute.

Holiday Concert at Bowie Performing Arts Center - Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. - Enjoy a holiday concert, featuring the Marine Jazz Combo from “The President’s Own,” performing jazzy and fun arrangements of such holiday and Christmas favorites as “Angels We Have Heard on High;” “Let It Snow!;” “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?;” “Winter Wonderland;” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas;” “Carol of the Bells;” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas;” “White Christmas;” “Feliz Navidad;” and more! The concert, which will take place at the Bowie Performing Arts Center in Bowie, Md., is free and open to the public.

Remembering President George H. W. Bush - "The President's Own" remembers and honors George H. W. Bush, 41st President of the United States of America. (Photo courtesy of the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library)

Marine Band at Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-Along - On Dec. 6, 2014, the Marine Band, conducted by Assistant Director 1stLt. Ryan J. Nowlin, performed a holiday concert at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va. Mezzo-soprano Gunnery Sgt. Sara Sheffield and Master Sgt. Kevin Bennear led the annual Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hannukah songs. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Kristin duBois/released)

On Oct. 27, 2018, the Marine Band performed at The Palladium in Carmel, Ind. The concert was sponsored by the Center for the Performing Arts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Amanda Simmons/released) - On Oct. 27, 2018, the Marine Band performed at The Palladium in Carmel, Ind. The concert was sponsored by the Center for the Performing Arts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Amanda Simmons/released)

On Saturday, Nov. 11, the Marine Chamber Orchestra performed a Veterans Day Concert at the Washington National Cathedral, along with the Cathedral Choir, in northwest Washington, D.C. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Brian Rust/released) - On Saturday, Nov. 11, the Marine Chamber Orchestra performed a Veterans Day Concert at the Washington National Cathedral, along with the Cathedral Choir, in northwest Washington, D.C. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Brian Rust/released)