Founded in 1798 by an Act of Congress, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band directed by Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Nowlin, performs at the White House, the National Mall, and ceremonies such as presidential inaugurations, State and honor funerals, South Lawn arrivals and national days of remembrance among other celebrations. Its annual fall US concert tours were initiated by none other than “The March King” John Philip Sousa, the band’s legendary 17th director (1880-1892) who shaped the band into a world-famous musical organization that provides an integral role in national culture and affirms the importance of the arts as a bridge between people. Today’s band members are graduates of the nation’s finest music schools, many holding advanced degrees in music.