Military bands

Some of the best entertainment values around are the military musical performing groups, especially the lead (national) organizations. In the first place, admittance is free. In the second, the level of performance is very high, especially in the bands. There are few, if any, professional bands that match up with the major orchestras. Usually the best you will hear are those from some of the major universities. However, if you are a top-flight euphonium or saxophone player who wants to play something other than jazz, where do you go? The answer is to one of the military bands. If you get a caance to hear any of these musical organizations, do not pass it up.

I have heard the main bands for the Air Force, Army and Marines (and all were excellent), along with some of the regional and subsidiary groups. Perhaps the most interesting is the Marine Band, nicknamed "The President's Own," because its primary mission is to provide music for the President. Perhaps because of that, its uniforms are the most colorful and ornate, and its program the most conservative.


Marine Corps Band