The Marine Band travels across the country each October and November during its fall concert tour, a tradition that began in 1891 under its most famous director, composer John Philip Sousa.

Selected band members serve under a four-year contract as active duty enlisted Marines and are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and physical standards.

Patriotic openers are performed throughout the Washington metropolitan area at various events for military organizations, federal agencies, and associations.

The first leader of the United States Marine Band was William Farr, listed in historical records as having served as Drum Major from January 21, 1799.

On July 25, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln signed an Act of Congress to reorganize the Marine Band.

Today, the Drum Major serves as the senior enlisted member of "The President's Own" and is responsible for the band's appearance, ceremonial drill, and military decorum.

The Drum Major wears a bearskin headpiece and carries a ceremonial mace used to signal commands to the musicians.

The Drum Major also wears the officer's version of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (the Marine Corps emblem).

The uniform also includes an ornate baldric, similar to a sash, embroidered with the band's crest and the Marine Corps' battle honors, as well as miniatures of personal medals.

Leaders: Drum Majors: Sousa composed several of his finest marches, including Semper Fidelis, while serving as director of the Marine Band.

[5] Thomas Powell Knox joined the Marine Band in 1961 as a trumpet player and moved to the arranging staff in 1966.