The U.S. Marine Band is celebrating its 215th anniversary this month with a series of free public outdoor concerts in Washington, D.C.–and a special fanfare by one of the best-loved composers of all time, John Williams.
Photo from The President’s Own’s Facebook page
Williams’ legacy of music includes iconic scores for films including the Star Wars saga; the Indiana Jones adventure Raiders of the Lost Ark; Jurassic Park; and Jaws, to name just a few.
This year, in honor of the 215th anniversary of “The President’s Own,” the 81-year-old composer composed a distinctive fanfare just for the band (appropriately titled “For the President’s Own”) and directed the band as they recorded it at the John Philip Sousa Band Hall in Washington, D.C.
“It’s always wonderful being with them,” Williams said in a filmed interview with Col. Michael Colburn, the band’s director. “The band is so fabulous, technically and in every possible way.”
From The President’s Own’s Facebook page
The band gave a birthday performance Wednesday night on the West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol. And you can see them tonight at Yards Park, on the waterfront near Nationals Stadium.
Photo from The President’s Own’s Facebook page
Meanwhile, check out their performance with Williams here.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDHR8tex8hY&list=UUz5tb1Fd8y_zHsrFRzOSYNw&index=1[/youtube]
