Crowds have listened to the United States Marine Band play during the inauguration of every president since Thomas Jefferson, and this weekend Muncie community members can hear them through more than just their televisions.
The band, known as “The President’s Own,” went on their first tour in 1891 with their 17th director, John Philip Sousa.
Today, touring different regions of the U.S. during October has become a tradition.
“You’ll hear Sousa on the program,” said Master Sergeant Amanda Simmons, the communication strategy chief for the band. “There’s always some Sousa marches on the program.”
The programs for the performances are decided by the band’s current director, Colonel Jason K. Fettig.
“He’ll take about 3 programs out on the road,” Simmons said. “He customizes them for each city if there’s some sort of local connection.”
For this year’s tour, the band will play 29 shows in 31 days, including Carmel, Indiana, Chicago and Cleveland, Ohio.
“‘The President’s Own’ United States Marine Band represents a special tribute to our military in concert form and honors those in service,” said Kristi Chambers, the assistant director of marketing and communications for Emens Auditorium and Pruis Hall, in an email.
In the past, Emens hosted performances by the Army Field band and the Air Force Band. The five service bands rotate the region they perform in every year, so the United States Marine Band will most likely return to the Midwest in five years.
Tickets are free for the event at 3 p.m. Oct. 28 in Emens Auditorium, but they are required to attend.
Contact Lauren Owens with comments at ldowens2@bsu.edu.
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