The United States Marine Band: The Directors

Gallery

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William H. Santelmann, Director (1898-1927), served for 29 years—the longest of any bandleader. He joined the band under Sousa, and played violin, clarinet, and baritone horn. Santelmann was credited with expanding the orchestral component of the band by requiring all wind and percussion performers to be proficient in stringed instruments.
Untied States Marine Band
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During his distinguished 30-year career, Lieutenant Colonel Timothy W. Foley has served as assistant solo clarinetist, Assistant Director, and since 1996, as the 26th Director. On July 11, 1998, he led the band into its third century.
United States Marine Band
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This photograph taken on December 5, 2019, during the pre-show of the 97th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony shows WUSA9 News morning anchor Annie Yu and National Park Service interpreter Kyle Yarusso speaking with Col. Jason K. Fettig, director of the United States Marine Band.
Matthew D'Agostino for the White House Historical Association

During its first two centuries, the Marine Band has had more than two dozen directors. Each leader has contributed to the recognition and appreciation of "The President's Own" through their original band compositions, orchestral transcriptions, and programming. Directors serve as music advisor to the White House and traditionally are selected from within the band's membership. As the Sousa baton is a symbol of his dedication, leadership, and vision is passed to an incoming Director, so too is passed 200 years of history and tradition.