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Photos: United States Marine Band Participates in 53rd Consecutive Presidential Inauguration

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/marineband/36668/

The Marine Band provides music for the swearing-in ceremony, including "Hail to the Chief" and several marches by its legendary 17th Director John Philip Sousa. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the 86-piece Marine Band assumes its position in the parade procession to lead the second division down Pennsylvania Avenue. The band will conclude this momentous day with performances at two inaugural balls.

The Marine Band can serve as a source for the following topics:

    --  Marine Band Director Colonel Michael J. Colburn is the music adviser to
        the White House. He provides musical insight for events such as
        inaugurations, State Dinners and Arrivals, and other White House
        functions.
        http://www.marineband.usmc.mil/WHO_WE_ARE/members/popups/director.htm
    --  Marine Band members hail from 41 states and can speak about their
        individual experiences both for the 2009 and previous inaugurations.
        Some members have participated as far back as the Carter administration.
        http://www.marineband.usmc.mil/WHO_WE_ARE/members/index.htm#
    --  Marine Band Historian Master Gunnery Sgt. Michael Ressler can provide
        anecdotes about "The President's Own" and its
        relationship with the presidents throughout its 210 year history.
        http://www.marineband.usmc.mil/whats_new/marine_band_and_presidents.htm
    --  Master Sgt. William L. Browne will participate in his first inauguration
        as the 35th Drum Major of the Marine Band. The Drum Major leads the band
        in the parade. His unique uniform includes the bearskin hat, a mace with
        the Capitol Dome on the top, and a baldric that contains all of the
        battle colors of the Marine Corps.
        http://www.marineband.usmc.mil/who_we_are/members/popups/drum_majors.htm
    --  Press are invited to attend the Marine Band's rehearsal for the
        swearing-in ceremony held at 9:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 16, at the Marine
        Barracks Annex, 600 Virginia Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. To RSVP,
        please call Marine Band Public Affairs at (202) 433-5809.

About the Marine Band

The Marine Band is America's oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Founded in 1798, the band has performed for every U.S. President since John Adams. Given the title "The President's Own" by Thomas Jefferson, the Marine Band's primary mission is to provide music for the President ofthe United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

    Press Contact:
    Gunnery Sergeant Amanda Simmons
    Marine Band Public Affairs
    (202) 433-5814 or (571) 213-0931
    amanda.simmons@usmc.mil

SOURCE United States Marine Band