- Established in 1798, the United States Marine Band is the oldest continuously active professional musical organization in America.
The Department of Music at Jackson State University will host a free concert performance by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, in the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium. Although the event is free, tickets (limit 4) are required and may be reserved and printed at USMB Tour.
Dr. David Akombo, chair of the JSU Music Department, said, “We consider it an honor to host the United States Marine Band. We believe the local community will be enriched by a concert from musicians of the highest caliber.”
Established in 1798 by an Act of Congress signed by President John Adams, the United States Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. The band made its White House debut on New Year’s Day in 1801 and has performed at the inauguration of every president since Thomas Jefferson, who is credited with giving the band the title “The President’s Own.”
In 1891, the band’s legendary 17th director, John Phillip Sousa, led the Marine Band on its first concert tour. As a result, for more than 100 years, the Marine Band has toured throughout the United States, participating in more than 500 public and official performances each year. Marine Band concerts offer a unique blend of traditional concert band and contemporary wind ensemble music suitable for people of all ages and musical tastes.
Patrick Rettger, instructor of music at JSU, is completing his dissertation on the topic of premier bands and is the key organizer for this event. He said, “I was delighted to be contacted to help work out all of the details necessary to secure a date on their national concert tour schedule.”
Rettger knows firsthand about the rigors of joining the Marine Band. He spent four years as an active duty serviceman in the U.S. Army and now plays in the National Guard 41st Band. He auditioned for a spot as a tuba player with the U.S. Marine Band a few years ago. He was among 132 others vying for the single opening. “They are simply one of the best bands performing in the world today. The level of musicianship is just incredible.”
Each year, in conjunction with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, an annual concerto competition is held for high school musicians. The winner appears as a guest soloist with the U.S. Marine Band and receives a cash prize.
For more information, please call 601-979-2141 or 601-979-2142.