For the first time in nearly a century, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will visit Terre Haute, Indiana, to perform a free concert on October 5 at Indiana State University’s Tilson Auditorium.
The performance, hosted by Indiana State University’s School of Music, is part of the band's Coast to Coast tour. It will be their first visit to Terre Haute since performing at the town’s Municipal Stadium and Grand Theatre on November 11, 1926.
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 President Thomas Jefferson’s era, the Marine Band’s mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
The 30-day Coast to Coast tour will see the Marine Band perform 28 concerts in the following states: Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia.
Marine Band Director Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin has programmed musical selections in the style of the band’s 17th Director John Philip Sousa, who initiated the concert tour tradition in 1891. Concertgoers in Terre Haute can expect a mix of works, including traditional band repertoire, Sousa marches, contemporary compositions, vocal and instrumental solos, and a patriotic salute to the Armed Forces.
Since Sousa was first granted permission to tour the country by President Benjamin Harrison in 1891, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band has delivered a White House experience from Washington, D.C., to the far-reaching corners of our nation, and these special concerts have been shared by generations of Americans.
Speaking about the tour, Nowlin said, “We are incredibly excited to continue the tradition of our national concert tour. Musicians of the band are more eager than ever to share their musical talents with audiences live, and in-person on this Coast to Coast tour.”
He added, “We have tremendously appreciative patrons who come to Marine Band concerts for all types of different experiences, so our programs are designed to include a great variety of music that mirrors the wonderful diversity in our national musical heritage.
Indiana State University President Dr. Mike Godard shared, "Hosting 'The President’s Own' United States Marine Band at Indiana State University is an extraordinary honor.
This historic event reflects our commitment to enriching cultural and educational experiences for our students and the community. We look forward to a memorable evening of music and patriotism.”
Dr. Melinda Roberts, Dean of Indiana State University’s College of Arts and Sciences, added, "It is an honor for the Indiana State University School of Music to host the President’s Own Marine Band during their Coast to Coast tour. This performance not only showcases the exceptional talent of this world-famous marine band but also provides an opportunity to inspire our students and the local community.”
Free tickets for the Terre Haute concert will be available one month before the performance (limit 4 per request). Seating is general admission, and ticket holders must be seated by 7:15 p.m.; remaining seats will be released to the standby line at that time.