Cornet/trumpet player Gunnery Sgt. Amy McCabe, a 2001 graduate of the Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music, performed in the 58th Inauguration of the President of the United States on Jan. 20, 2017, as a member of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. This marked the Marine Band’s 55th inaugural appearance.
The Marine Band provided music for the Inauguration swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, led the second division of the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, and performed at the Salute to the Armed Forces Inaugural ball. “The President’s Own” is the only musical unit to participate in all three events.
Research suggests that on March 4, 1801, the Marine Band performed for Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration. An accomplished musician himself, Jefferson recognized the unique relationship between the band and the Chief Executive and is credited with giving the Marine Band the title, “The President’s Own.”
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 mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
