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“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band returns to Pocatello

September 26, 2024

For the first time in 10 years, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band returns to Pocatello, Idaho, as part of the band's Coast-to-Coast tour, performing a free 7:30 p.m. concert on Thurs., Oct. 24, in Jensen Hall at the Stephens Performing Arts Center.

Free tickets are available starting Sept. 24 (limit 4 per request) at the ISU Stephens Box Office.  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.

“We are incredibly excited to continue the tradition of our national concert tour,” Marine Band Director Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin said. “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.” 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 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.

“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,” Nowlin said.

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. During the 30-day Coast-to-Coast tour, the Marine Band will perform 28 concerts in the following states: Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia.

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.

For questions or more information, contact ISU School of Performing Arts Promotions Director Meg Holmes at (208) 282-6452 or megstover@isu.edu.


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