Dubbed “The President’s Own” when it debuted for Thomas Jefferson in 1801, the Marine Band is America’s longest-running professional musical organization. It plays more than 500 public and official performances annually, and its musicians appear at the White House more than 300 times each year, performing for State arrival ceremonies, dinners and receptions and accompanying famous entertainers.

The national tours began in 1891 under then-Director John Philip Sousa, who led the band for 12 years before launching his famous civilian band. A baton presented to Sousa at his final Marine Band concert was later returned by his family and is passed down to each new director.

Tickets will be available in October.