This week, “The President’s Own” concludes its 2025 Winter/Spring Chamber Music Series at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 27. Coordinated by clarinetist Gunnery Sgt. Lewis Gilmore, the concert will take place at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, DC. The concert is free. No tickets are required.

Program 

Directions 

Here’s what Gilmore said about Sunday’s performance: 

With this program, I wanted to showcase the capabilities of the Marine Band’s unique instrumentation as a large ensemble that allows us to perform so many kinds of music.  

The concert opens with a performance of Steve Reich’s New York Counterpoint for 11 clarinets. Like the similar piece we played earlier this season for percussion, in this series of works for different instruments, Reich allows the music to be pre-recorded by one person or to have all the parts performed live by an ensemble. Being a part of “The President’s Own” means we have the 11 clarinets to do the latter, and I’m thrilled to be able to present this work in its larger version.  

Staff Sergeant Elena Specht’s Fresh allows us to showcase the multitalented aspects of the Marine Band’s members, as she is also one of our librarians! Her piece is a reflection of Lake Michigan in all its glory and utilizes a novel mix of wind instruments with piano, including another somewhat unique section of the band: the saxophone.  

No band would be complete without a mighty brass section, and Jan Koetsier’s Brass Symphony, Opus 80 features 10 of our best. The work is appropriately titled and is filled with playful chamber music mixed with organ-like walls of sound that large brass ensembles do so well.  

Kevin Day is no stranger to writing for winds, and his un(ravel)ed is a perfect digestif after the brass. Written for a group of strings, winds, percussion, and piano popularized by ensembles like Eighth Blackbird, this short work feels innovative while also being a tribute to composer Maurice Ravel, who’s 150th birthday we celebrate this year.  

Finishing the program is Ernst van Dohnányi’s Sextet in C, Opus 37. I only recently discovered this piece and immediately fell in love with it. Composed during the era of Brahms, Mahler, and so many other composers more famous to many listeners, I’m excited to feature one who is lesser known but just as deserving. Equally famous is the idea of a piano quartet or quintet with strings, but there are not many opportunities for the clarinet or horn to perform with such a group. In Dohnányi’s case, we both get to play along! The vast palette of unique colors available to only six players will convince you more music should be written for this ensemble.  

Sharing so much diverse music is one of the joys of working in the Marine Band, and I’m thrilled that we can feature 34 musicians on this chamber music concert. I guarantee you’ll enjoy something on it! 

Directions for patrons: The performance venue is located on 945 G St. NW on the corner of 10th and G streets between Metro Center and Gallery Place metro stations. Look for the bronze cross holding up the corner of a modern office building.