WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band will participate in the 57(th) Inauguration of the President of the United States on Jan. 21, 2013. This marks the Marine Band's 54(th) consecutive inaugural appearance, a tradition that dates back to Thomas Jefferson in 1801.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130115/DC42661 [1])

Providing the inaugural soundtrack since 1801, the Marine Band provides music for the swearing-in ceremony, including "Hail to the Chief" and "Semper Fidelis," composed by the Marine Band's legendary 17(th) Director John Philip Sousa. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the 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 a performance at the Commander-in-Chief's inaugural ball.

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.
    --  Marine Band members hail from 39 states and can speak about their
        individual experiences both for the 2013 and previous inaugurations.
        Some members have participated as far back as the Carter administration.
    --  Marine Band Historian Master Gunnery Sgt. Michael Ressler can provide
        anecdotes about "The President's Own" and its relationship with the
        presidents throughout its 215 year history.
    --  Master Gunnery Sgt. William L. Browne will participate in his second
        inauguration as the 37th 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 the names of the major battles and campaigns that the Marine
        Corps has been involved in throughout its history.
    --  Press are invited to attend the Marine Band's rehearsal for the
        swearing-in ceremony held from 9-11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 17, and
        ceremonial drill rehearsal for the parade from 9:30-10:30 a.m., Friday,
        Jan. 18, at the Marine Barracks Annex, 7(th) and K Streets, 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. Known as "The President's Own" since the days of Thomas Jefferson, the Marine Band's primary mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Contact Info: Marine Band Public Affairs Office
(202) 433-5809
marineband.publicaffairs@usmc.mil [2]

SOURCE The President's Own United States Marine Band