Marine Barracks Annex, Washington DC -- This week the Marine Band will conclude its summer series with a program chock full of patriotic favorites and familiar works for wind band by great composers such as John Williams, Percy Grainger, and John Philip Sousa—the March King. Conducted by Assistant Director Major Ryan J. Nowlin, the free concert will take place at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 31, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va.
“I wanted to end the summer with a feel-good program that resonated especially with Marine Corps families,” Nowlin said, “With the backdrop of the extraordinary museum, it should be a memorable experience.”
Memorable experience, indeed, with “The President’s Own” kicking off the program with the official march of the Marine Corps—Sousa’s “Semper Fidelis” followed by two well-known beautifully melodic band works: The Cowboys Overture by John Williams and Percy Grainger’s Irish Tune from County Derry. The concert will continue with “Sentimental Journey: A World War II Hit Parade,” an eight-tune collection of popular songs from the World War II era featuring baritone vocalist Master Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Bennear and mezzo-soprano vocalist Master Sgt. Sara Sheffield. The program also includes “Esprit de Corps,” written in 1984 by Robert Jager for the Marine Band and based on The Marines’ Hymn. And attendees will surely clap and tap along with the national march, Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” The patriotic summer event will conclude with the military service songs—an opportunity for all veterans to stand proud and be recognized for their service to the nation.
When asked what the audience will love about the program, Nowlin replied: “All of it! I am hopeful that the program remains engaging and meaningful from the first sounds of ‘Semper Fidelis’ to the proud strains of The Marines’ Hymn.” He continued, “Every time I set foot in that extraordinary museum I feel a deep sense of pride and humility. I hope that our patrons take time to visit this special space to include the newly opened wing. It will prove a meaningful and memorable experience for all.”