As part of their coast-to-coast tour, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will perform a free concert at the Lied Center of Kansas on Sunday, October 13, at 3:00 pm.

Marine Band Director Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin has programmed musical selections in the style of the band’s 17th director, John Philip Sousa, who initiated the concert tour tradition in 1891. Concertgoers can expect a mix of works, including traditional band repertoire, Sousa marches, contemporary compositions, vocal and instrumental solos, and a patriotic salute to the Armed Forces.

The Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the band has performed for every U.S. President since John Adams. Known as “The President’s Own” since the days of Thomas Jefferson, the Marine Band’s mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Whether performing for State Dinners or South Lawn arrivals, events of national significance or receptions, Marine Band musicians appear at the White House an average of 200 times each year. These performances range from small ensembles such as a solo pianist, jazz combo or brass quintet to a country band, dance band or full concert band. The diversity of music often presented at the Executive Mansion makes versatility an important requirement for Marine Band members. Musicians are selected at auditions much like those of major symphony orchestras, and they enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps for permanent duty with the Marine Band. Most of today’s members are graduates of the nation’s finest music schools, and more than 60 percent hold advanced degrees in music.

In addition to its White House mission, “The President’s Own” performs an annual season showcase series of indoor concerts and a popular outdoor summer concert series on the National Mall. Musicians from the band are frequently highlighted in solo performances and participate in more intimate chamber ensemble recitals that feature a wide range of smaller instrumental groups. Marine Band musicians also perform in many different types of ceremonies and events throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, including the Presidential Inauguration, Full Honors funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, Honor Flight ceremonies for veterans at the National World War II Memorial, Friday Evening Parades at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., and educational programs in schools throughout the National Capital Region.

While the Marine Band is firmly dedicated to preserving the unique musical traditions established over its long history, it is equally committed to serving as a leading ensemble in the development of new repertoire for winds.

The Marine Band’s integral role in the national culture and in the government’s official life has affirmed the importance of the arts as a bridge between people. Since 1798, the Marine Band’s mission has been to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. As the only musical organization with that mission, the Marine Band looks to the future, viewing its history and tradition as the foundation upon which to build its third century of bringing music to the White House and to the American people.

Important information:

• This is a free, ticketed event with reserved seating.
• Tickets for this performance are available only at the Lied Center Ticket Office, not by phone or online.
• Limit of four tickets per person.
• Auditorium doors will open at 2:15 pm on the day of the show.
• Reserved tickets for this event expire at 2:45 pm and ticket holders must arrive by then. Once tickets expire, late-arriving ticket holders will be required to enter the standby line at the Ticket Office.
• Bags larger than a purse are NOT allowed at this event.
• Questions? Call the Lied Center Ticket Office at 785-864-2787.