Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 May 1891 — THE MARINE BAND. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE MARINE BAND.

ikttidir of Under Seim’s Own Mailed Orgulfmttod. The Marine Band is one of the features of the nation's capital. This, band has had a long history. It began its existence as early as 1798, when thirteen musical Italians were enlisted’ by the government and made the nucleus of a band for the marine corps jnst then created by the government. Their numbers were increased from time to time, and under the direction of able leaders such as Carusi, Poris, Trei and Seals it became an efficient' organization. John Philip Sousa has been the leader since 1881, during which time the band has become one of the best in the world. General Grant was an enthusiastic patron, and

tinder Ins administration it numbered fifty-six musicians. President Harrison and Secretary Tracy have been its best friends, and the Fifty-first Congress did a handsome thing by passing an appropriation for its increase to seventy-two members, besides making many other provisions for the best musical results. The band is regularly on duty from 8:30 to 12 o’clock every morning at the Marine barracks in Washington, where a public concert is given every Monday. During the summer months con-, certs are given on the White House lawn every Saturday, and when Congress is not in session Wednesday con-, certs are given at tho Capitol. Besides these regular duties the band is subject to summons for all Presidential entertainments, inaugural balls, official receptions, festivities, excursions, etc. The members are enlisted as marines l and classified as musicians, and entitled to retirement for old age or pensions for disabilities received in the, servico. All of them are subjected to the most rigid physical and musical! examination, and must be over 5 feet' 0 inches in height. The strictest discipline is maintained, and the members all take pride in the military character of their organization. The instrumentatiyi of the band consists of fourteen clarinets, twoalto clarinets, two llutes, two oboes, two bassoons, four saxophones, four French horns, four cornets, two trumpets, two fiugel horns, three trom-. bones, two euphoniums, three basses,, besides drums, triangles, tympani, etc.

JOHN PHILIP SOUSA.