“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band is widely held as the epitome of band performance in the United States. Those living in the Washington DC area have the unique chance to view their free and regular performances. Here are a few opportunities for families, friends, and visitors this summer:
- WolfTrap Summer Blast Off! – Friday, May 31, 2024, 8pm
This annual concert boasts a lively program of crowd-pleasers and patriotic tunes, perfect for Memorial Day and summer’s commencement. The program boasts the iconic Armed Forces medley, among other traditional literature. Seating is first-come, first-seated, so arrive early. Consider bringing a picnic and camp chairs to set up on the WolfTrap lawn. A big firework show follows the concert. Come this May for an American classic!
2. Friday Evening Parade – Friday nights – 8:45pm
This weekly presentation by “the President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the Commandant’s Own Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon features a wide range of musical and military excellence. Held at the “Oldest Post of the Corps” at 8th & I and running from May to August, the parade is a great opportunity for tourists and locals alike. Highlights include the opportunity to take pictures with Chesty XVI, the mascot of the United States Marine Corps, and hearing taps as the flag is taken down for the evening. Sometimes “the President’s Own” performs an arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, complete with real cannons! Hear from pre-show crowd educators, members of the musical ensembles who answer questions and share historical background about the parade.
There’s a noticeable shift when you walk in from the hustle and bustle of Washington DC to the organization and composure of Marine Barracks Washington, and it’s really cool to see. The Friday night parades are a neat opportunity to get a taste of Washington DC patriotism and see the excellence upheld by “the few, the proud.” Dress codes vary wildly between attendees, from formal attire to jeans. Gates are open between 7 and 8pm, and the show beings at 8:45. The parade lasts about ninety minutes, so be prepared for a late night. Some metered street parking is available. Ticket reservations are required and can be made online. Like all President’s Own events, the Friday Night Parades are open to the public free of charge.
3. Weeknight Outdoor Concerts – Wednesday and Thursday nights
“The President’s Own” performs in outdoor venues throughout the DC area twice each week in the summer months. The concerts are held as the sun is setting, when the heat of the day has passed and the humidity lessened. Outdoor acoustics are notoriously poor but create a fun atmosphere and a great place for gathering. Some families come intentionally and bring picnics while others accidentally stumble on the event in their journeyings around DC.
Despite the friendly environment, “the President’s Own’s” musical expertise is no laughing matter. Concerts include a variety of Sousa marches, patriotic and classical literature, and popular tunes. A premier soloist performs at each concert. These concerts have historically been held on the Capitol steps – which is really cool, though not the case this year. The 2024 dates and locations have not yet been announced but will be announced online as they become available.
Each branch of the United States armed forces has musical units, including a premier band in Washington DC (or Connecticut, in the case of the Coast Guard). “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band is the premier band of the United States Marine Corps and has the specific mission to support and provide music for the President of the United States. “The President’s Own” musically supports the White House, the Pentagon, Marine funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, and events in the greater Washington DC area. “The President’s Own” also tours the continental United States each October, represents the United States overseas, and performs regularly for the community. “The President’s Own” was founded in 1798 by an act of Congress and is the oldest continuously active professional musical organization in the United States.
I have fond memories of attending these events, and they’re really well done. I would highly recommend taking your family, your grandparents, going with a friend group, taking summer visitors who want to “see DC,” or even going for an inexpensive double date. Most musical performances of this caliber are expensive to attend, which makes “the President’s Own’s” concerts a great opportunity for developing musicians who want exposure to professional-quality performances. Consider attending these performances of “the President’s Own” this summer!
