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Archive: June, 2014

U.S. Marine Band Supports Medal of Honor Events for Cpl. Kyle Carpenter June 30, 2014 — The United States Marine Band recently had the honor and privilege to support numerous events surrounding the Medal of Honor Ceremony for retired Marine Cpl. Kyle Carpenter. A Marine Brass Quintet performed honors for the ceremony at the White House on June 19 and a Marine Jazz Combo played music for attendees both before and after the ceremony.On MORE

Free Country at National Harbor June 30, 2014 — This Saturday, July 5 the Marine Band’s contemporary country music ensemble, Free Country, will perform in the plaza at National Harbor, as part of the National Harbor’s Military Summer Concert Series. The free concert will begin at 6 p.m. and include country classics, patriotic favorites, and original works which pay tribute to the men and women MORE

No Capitol Concerts, Parade This Week June 30, 2014 — Due to July 4th activities at the U.S. Capitol and in the National Capital Region, the Marine Band will suspend Summer Fare performances on July 2-3. The Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington will not take place on July 4.Summer Fare concerts by “The President’s Own” will resume at 8 p.m., July 9 and 10 at the U.S. Capitol with the MORE

Summer Fare Features American Marches, Clarinet Showpiece, and Cole Porter Tunes June 23, 2014 — The Marine Band’s Summer Fare continues this week under the baton of Assistant Director Maj. Jason K. Fettig with performances at 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 25, and Thursday, June 26, on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol. Bookended by marches by American composers John Philip Sousa and Russell Alexander, the concert will also feature several MORE

Drum Major Relief and Appointment June 23, 2014 — The Drum Major is one of the most visible members of the Marine Band. While he stands in front of the band, he wears a bearskin headpiece and carries a long wood and brass mace. The ornate sash worn across his chest, called a baldric, is embroidered with the Marine Band’s crest and the Marine Corps’ battle colors; it signifies his position as Drum MORE

Free Country at the Capitol June 16, 2014 — The Marine Band’s contemporary country music ensemble, Free Country, will perform popular country hits and classics, patriotic favorites, and original works at 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 18, and Thursday, June 19, on the west terrace of the U.S. Capitol. Free Country offers performances that include humor and reflection while always paying tribute to MORE

Arlington National Cemetery Turns 150 June 10, 2014 — The musicians of “The President’s Own” perform in dozens of venues in and around Washington, D.C., and across the country on tour, but none is more revered than Arlington National Cemetery (ANC). The Marine Band has performed at ANC for standard and full honors funerals for both former and active duty Marines, memorial dedications, remembrance MORE

Web Exclusive: “The Washington Post” Turns 125 June 10, 2014 — The Marine Band’s March of the Month for June features John Philip Sousa’s march, “The Washington Post,” which was written 125 years ago this month. In the late 1800s The Washington Post was just one of four newspapers in the District of Columbia vying for readers. At the time, owner and founder Stilson Hutchins led with stories such as “Do Not MORE

The Marine Band Salutes the Wind Band Tradition June 10, 2014 — When Assistant Director Capt. Michelle A. Rakers steps up to the podium at 8 p.m. on June 11 and 12 on the West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol, she will conduct a program that salutes the tradition of the wind band with English folk songs written by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard B. Smith’s aptly titled march “The March King,” and one of John Philip MORE

Summer Orchestra Series Opener Celebrates Father’s Day June 3, 2014 — The Marine Chamber Orchestra will kick off its Summer Orchestra series with an all-Bach concert at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 7 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria. Conducted by Assistant Director Capt. Michelle A. Rakers, the concert will highlight the father/son MORE