Music in the Schools

MUSIC IN THE High SCHOOLS

In-Person and Virtual Educational programs for grades 9-12

Registration for MITHS is currently closed. If you are looking for MITS (Grades 2-5), click the tab on the left.

Register for Virtual (CLOSED)

Register for In-Person (DC, MD & VA Only) (CLOSED)

ALL SCHOOLS: During the month of February, the United States Marine Band will offer free virtual clinics to U.S. high school music programs. Students will have the opportunity to learn from and work with current members of the band on a variety of offered topics.

VIEW VIRTUAL CLINICS

Clinics last 45 minutes. Space is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A minimum of five students must be in attendance for the clinic. Please submit only one request per educator.

DC, MD & VA ONLY: High schools in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia can request an in-person clinic if the school is located within a 30-mile radius of Marine Barracks Washington.

VIEW IN-PERSON CLINICS

MUSIC IN THE SCHOOLS

in-Person Educational Programs for Grades 2-5

MITS is currently closed and will reopen September 2025. Register Here

In October the U.S. Marine Band offers "Music in the Schools" as a free music enrichment program to elementary schools in D.C., Maryland and Virginia within 15 miles of Marine Barracks Washington (8th & I Streets SE, Washington, DC, 20390). Designed for grades 2-5, these 45-minute programs introduce musical instruments and concepts in an interactive and engaging way. During the program, Marine Band musicians perform a wide range of music geared specifically toward elementary school students. Presentations feature instrument demonstrations, explanations about how instruments produce sound, instruction on musical terms, and a question and answer session.

In order to maintain an effective program, a maximum of 150 students is recommended and the presentation must be scheduled as part of the formal school day. Teachers/administrators must be present for the duration of the performance.

Space is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Three performing ensembles are available in 2025:

• String Duo: The violin-viola duo from “The President’s Own” Marine Chamber Orchestra will showcase music’s dynamic impact on storytelling.  Students will learn how different elements of music can influence the listeners’ experience of a story, and engage with the musicians to develop their own unique soundtrack.
• Woodwind Quintet: This program explores the question "What's it made of?" in regards to both the woodwind quintet ensemble and music in general. The presentation includes an introduction to each instrument of the woodwind quintet as well as individual elements of music such as melody, harmony, dynamics, tempo, rhythm, and how those elements work together to create music. A wide variety of musical examples are used to demonstrate each of the aforementioned musical elements, including John Philip Sousa's "Semper Fidelis," Gabriel Faure's  "Pavane," Beethoven's "Symphony no. 5" and Pharrell Williams' "Happy."
• Brass Quintet: Get ready for an exciting performance by musicians from the Marine Band’s brass section! You'll hear fun and powerful music, learn why the musicians love to play, and use your imagination to fly through the skies, visit faraway places, and travel through time—from music of the 1500s all the way to today. It's a fun, musical journey you won’t want to miss.

Video RESOURCES

Video performances and educational resources designed for young musicians

General Music - Around the World in 30 Minutes

• For grades K-5. Develop new musical interests and explore the importance of musical curiosity with folk music from around the world! Students will experience music from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, as demonstrated by the versatile musicians of the Marine Band.

• LINKS: Video / Lesson Plans / Program

Band - Why I Love Playing Music

• For musicians in beginner/intermediate band. There are endless varieties of music, and just as many reasons to love playing it! In this performance, percussion, brass and woodwind ensembles from the Marine Band share their musical talents, as well as the reasons they love making music.

• LINKS: Video / Lesson Plans / Program​

Orchestra - String Colors: Painting with Sound

• For musicians in beginner/intermediate orchestra. This program showcases the incredible world of musical colors and textures possible with string instruments. The Marine Chamber Orchestra introduces a variety of fun and evocative chamber music, reinforces elements of basic string musicianship, and shows students what they can look forward to as they continue to explore their musical journey as a string musician.

• LINKS: Video / Lesson Plans / Program

Why join Band, Orchestra, or Choir?

• Looking to recruit students for your school's music programs? Let musicians of "The President's Own" tell your students about why they should consider joining band, orchestra or choir! In the video, our musicians explain what drew them to music and why they still perform today!

• LINK: Video