Charles Snead currently serves as the director of the music school and a professor of horn at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where, along with administrative duties, he teaches applied horn and brass pedagogy. Skip has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, with appearances in Egypt, Romania, the United Kingdom, and Cuba, in addition to various regional horn workshops and the International Horn Society Summer Symposium. He has been a featured artist with many ensembles, including the Alexandria Symphony in Alexandria, Egypt; the State Orchestra of Romania; the British Horn Society; the Monroe Symphony; the Macon Symphony; the Tuscaloosa Symphony; and the Shreveport Summer Music Festival Orchestras. In addition to the above named ensembles, Skip performs with the internationally recognized ensemble the TransAtlantic Horn Quartet with colleagues Michael Thompson, Richard Watkins, and Jeff Nelsen. The TAHQ has performed throughout the United States and Europe and has been a featured ensemble at many important events and venues including the Britten-Pears Festival in Aldebrough, England; the Royal Wigmore Hall in London; the British Horn Society Festival; and the International Horn Society Summer Symposium. He has recorded with the TransAtlantic Horn Quartet, the Classic Brass, the Kentuckiana Brass and Percussion Ensemble, and has solo recordings available on compact disc issued by Centaur Records, Albany Records and MSR Classics. In addition to his work as a performer, he is internationally recognized as a teacher and clinician. He has given master classes throughout the United States and Europe and serves on the executive board of the International Horn Competition of America. In March 2004, he was invited to be a Housewright Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair Holder at Florida State University and has served a five-year term on the Center for the International Exchange of Scholars, Fulbright Senior Specialists Peer Review Committee. The University of Alabama awarded him The Burnum Distinguished Faculty Award in March 2005. His principal teachers have included Merwin Crisman, Karen Thornton, and John Dressler, with additional studies with Dale Clevenger, Philip Farkas, and William Capps.

Charles Snead currently serves as the director of the music school and a professor of horn at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa\, where\, along with administrative duties\, he teaches applied horn and brass pedagogy. Skip has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician\, with appearances in Egypt\, Romania\, the United Kingdom\, and Cuba\, in addition to various regional horn workshops and the International Horn Society Summer Symposium. He has been a featured artist with many ensembles\, including the Alexandria Symphony in Alexandria\, Egypt; the State Orchestra of Romania; the British Horn Society; the Monroe Symphony; the Macon Symphony; the Tuscaloosa Symphony; and the Shreveport Summer Music Festival Orchestras. In addition to the above named ensembles\, Skip performs with the internationally recognized ensemble the TransAtlantic Horn Quartet with colleagues Michael Thompson\, Richard Watkins\, and Jeff Nelsen. The TAHQ has performed throughout the United States and Europe and has been a featured ensemble at many important events and venues including the Britten-Pears Festival in Aldebrough\, England; the Royal Wigmore Hall in London; the British Horn Society Festival; and the International Horn Society Summer Symposium. He has recorded with the TransAtlantic Horn Quartet\, the Classic Brass\, the Kentuckiana Brass and Percussion Ensemble\, and has solo recordings available on compact disc issued by Centaur Records\, Albany Records and MSR Classics. In addition to his work as a performer\, he is internationally recognized as a teacher and clinician. He has given master classes throughout the United States and Europe and serves on the executive board of the International Horn Competition of America. In March 2004\, he was invited to be a Housewright Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair Holder at Florida State University and has served a five-year term on the Center for the International Exchange of Scholars\, Fulbright Senior Specialists Peer Review Committee. The University of Alabama awarded him The Burnum Distinguished Faculty Award in March 2005. His principal teachers have included Merwin Crisman\, Karen Thornton\, and John Dressler\, with additional studies with Dale Clevenger\, Philip Farkas\, and William Capps.

Praised for “beautiful performances of great warmth” (Classical Voice of North Carolina), Michael Delfín captures the listener with sensitivity and flair as a versatile performer of historical and modern keyboard instruments. Michael won the top prize ex aequo in the Ninth Jurow International Harpsichord Competition, shortly after being nominated to the Diapason 20 Under 30 Class of 2021. As a pianist, Mr. Delfin has won prizes in the International Crescendo Music Awards, Chautauqua International Piano Competition, and two consecutive concerto competitions at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Recent performances include recitals for the Ear Taxi New Music Festival, The Stone, the Iowa City Early Keyboard Society, and the Western Early Keyboard Association, and solo appearances with Lyra Baroque, Bourbon Baroque, the CCM Concert Orchestra, and the American Chamber Symphony. Mr. Delfin’s advocacy for new music has led to numerous world premieres across the United States to rave reviews. He recently collaborated with mezzo-soprano Leandra Ramm on an album of contemporary art song for Ablaze Records. Mr. Delfín is the artistic director of Bama Baroque and Cincinnati-based ensemble Seven Hills Baroque. Before joining of the faculty at University of Alabama as an instructor of early keyboard, he taught piano at Cedarville University and has taught harpsichord and chamber music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He was also recently appointed to the Early Music America’s Emerging Professional Leadership Council and the Historical Keyboard Society of North America’s board of directors. He makes his home with his wife Anne and their son Teddy in Tuscaloosa, where he serves as organist at the Grace Presbyterian Church. A native of Fresno, CA, Dr. Delfín holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, San Francisco Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory, and the Johns Hopkins University, and his mentors include Awadagin Pratt, Yoshikazu Nagai, Boris Slutsky, Michael Unger, and Carol Oaks. www.michaeldelfin.com

Praised for “beautiful performances of great warmth” (Classical Voice of North Carolina)\, Michael Delfín captures the listener with sensitivity and flair as a versatile performer of historical and modern keyboard instruments. Michael won the top prize ex aequo in the Ninth Jurow International Harpsichord Competition\, shortly after being nominated to the Diapason 20 Under 30 Class of 2021. As a pianist\, Mr. Delfin has won prizes in the International Crescendo Music Awards\, Chautauqua International Piano Competition\, and two consecutive concerto competitions at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Recent performances include recitals for the Ear Taxi New Music Festival\, The Stone\, the Iowa City Early Keyboard Society\, and the Western Early Keyboard Association\, and solo appearances with Lyra Baroque\, Bourbon Baroque\, the CCM Concert Orchestra\, and the American Chamber Symphony. Mr. Delfin’s advocacy for new music has led to numerous world premieres across the United States to rave reviews. He recently collaborated with mezzo-soprano Leandra Ramm on an album of contemporary art song for Ablaze Records. Mr. Delfín is the artistic director of Bama Baroque and Cincinnati-based ensemble Seven Hills Baroque. Before joining of the faculty at University of Alabama as an instructor of early keyboard\, he taught piano at Cedarville University and has taught harpsichord and chamber music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He was also recently appointed to the Early Music America’s Emerging Professional Leadership Council and the Historical Keyboard Society of North America’s board of directors. He makes his home with his wife Anne and their son Teddy in Tuscaloosa\, where he serves as organist at the Grace Presbyterian Church. A native of Fresno\, CA\, Dr. Delfín holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music\, San Francisco Conservatory\, Peabody Conservatory\, and the Johns Hopkins University\, and his mentors include Awadagin Pratt\, Yoshikazu Nagai\, Boris Slutsky\, Michael Unger\, and Carol Oaks. www.michaeldelfin.com

Sponsored by Ms. Camilla Huxford, the Huxford Symphony Orchestra is the University of Alabama’s top orchestral ensemble.   Under the direction of Camilla Huxford Endowed Chair and Tuscaloosa’s own Ransom Wilson, the orchestra performs a wide range of repertoire, from beloved classics to little-known gems to recently composed works.  The orchestra is composed of students from across Alabama, the United States, and around the globe, bringing talented young musicians together in one ensemble to give world-class performances of orchestral literature to Tuscaloosa and the surrounding community.

Estel Vivó Casanovas is a saxophonist from Barcelona, Spain, currently based in Rochester, NY. She has performed as a soloist at Carnegie Hall and with the Symphony Orchestra of the Terrassa Conservatory. A multi-award-winning musician, her achievements include First Prize at the 2024 Manhattan International Music Competition (YA Category) and First Prize at the 2023 International Saxophone Academy, among other national and international prizes. Estel has been featured in the media on multiple occasions. Her live concerts have been broadcast on programs such as Els programes de Catalunya Música from Catalunya Música. She has also been interviewed on radio programs like Esmorzem amb Estel Vivó Casanovas (Catalunya Música) and El Submarí (Ràdio Terrassa), as well as in publications including Diari de Terrassa and Gaseta de Matadepera. Estel has held leadership roles in both Spain and the U.S., serving as conductor and program coordinator of the Matadepera Wind Orchestra, and currently mentoring the New Horizons Symphonic Band and directing the New Horizons Saxophone Ensemble at Eastman’s Community Music School. She also holds two roles at the Eastman School of Music under Professor Chien-Kwan Lin, supporting an undergraduate chamber music group as a Teaching Assistant and assisting with the daily operations of the saxophone studio as Department Assistant. Alongside her performance and teaching, Estel is also a researcher. Her current project, Masked Dissonance: Avant-Garde Music as a Subtle Resistance in Francoist Spain, examines how experimental music developed within the cultural and political context of the Cold War and mid-20th-century Spain. She presented this research at the Festival Internacional de Saxofone de Palmela (Portugal). Estel holds a Master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music, where she is now pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance, both under the mentorship of Professor Chien-Kwan Lin. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the Liceu Conservatory of Barcelona, where she studied with Professor Albert Julià Torné and was supported by a scholarship from the Ferrer-Salat Music Foundation. Sponsored by Ms. Camilla Huxford, the Huxford Symphony Orchestra is the University of Alabama’s top orchestral ensemble.   Under the direction of Camilla Huxford Endowed Chair and Tuscaloosa’s own Ransom Wilson, the orchestra performs a wide range of repertoire, from beloved classics to little-known gems to recently composed works.  The orchestra is composed of students from across Alabama, the United States, and around the globe, bringing talented young musicians together in one ensemble to give world-class performances of orchestral literature to Tuscaloosa and the surrounding community. Program: Carmen Suite – Georges Bizet Concertino da Camera for Alto Saxophone & Orchestra – Jacques Ibert Scaramouche, Op. 165 – Darius Milhaud Paisagens Paulistanas (São Paulo Landscapes) (2025)-*World Premiere  – Gabriel Duarte The Three-Cornered Hat Suite No. 1 – Manuel de Falla Ritual Fire Dance – Manuel de Falla

Estel Vivó Casanovas is a saxophonist from Barcelona\, Spain\, currently based in Rochester\, NY. She has performed as a soloist at Carnegie Hall and with the Symphony Orchestra of the Terrassa Conservatory. A multi-award-winning musician\, her achievements include First Prize at the 2024 Manhattan International Music Competition (YA Category) and First Prize at the 2023 International Saxophone Academy\, among other national and international prizes. Estel has been featured in the media on multiple occasions. Her live concerts have been broadcast on programs such as Els programes de Catalunya Música from Catalunya Música. She has also been interviewed on radio programs like Esmorzem amb Estel Vivó Casanovas (Catalunya Música) and El Submarí (Ràdio Terrassa)\, as well as in publications including Diari de Terrassa and Gaseta de Matadepera. Estel has held leadership roles in both Spain and the U.S.\, serving as conductor and program coordinator of the Matadepera Wind Orchestra\, and currently mentoring the New Horizons Symphonic Band and directing the New Horizons Saxophone Ensemble at Eastman’s Community Music School. She also holds two roles at the Eastman School of Music under Professor Chien-Kwan Lin\, supporting an undergraduate chamber music group as a Teaching Assistant and assisting with the daily operations of the saxophone studio as Department Assistant. Alongside her performance and teaching\, Estel is also a researcher. Her current project\, Masked Dissonance: Avant-Garde Music as a Subtle Resistance in Francoist Spain\, examines how experimental music developed within the cultural and political context of the Cold War and mid-20th-century Spain. She presented this research at the Festival Internacional de Saxofone de Palmela (Portugal). Estel holds a Master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music\, where she is now pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance\, both under the mentorship of Professor Chien-Kwan Lin. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the Liceu Conservatory of Barcelona\, where she studied with Professor Albert Julià Torné and was supported by a scholarship from the Ferrer-Salat Music Foundation. Sponsored by Ms. Camilla Huxford\, the Huxford Symphony Orchestra is the University of Alabama’s top orchestral ensemble.   Under the direction of Camilla Huxford Endowed Chair and Tuscaloosa’s own Ransom Wilson\, the orchestra performs a wide range of repertoire\, from beloved classics to little-known gems to recently composed works.  The orchestra is composed of students from across Alabama\, the United States\, and around the globe\, bringing talented young musicians together in one ensemble to give world-class performances of orchestral literature to Tuscaloosa and the surrounding community. Program: Carmen Suite – Georges Bizet Concertino da Camera for Alto Saxophone & Orchestra – Jacques Ibert Scaramouche\, Op. 165 – Darius Milhaud Paisagens Paulistanas (São Paulo Landscapes) (2025)-*World Premiere  – Gabriel Duarte The Three-Cornered Hat Suite No. 1 – Manuel de Falla Ritual Fire Dance – Manuel de Falla

Sponsored by Ms. Camilla Huxford\, the Huxford Symphony Orchestra is the University of Alabama’s top orchestral ensemble.   Under the direction of Camilla Huxford Endowed Chair and Tuscaloosa’s own Ransom Wilson\, the orchestra performs a wide range of repertoire\, from beloved classics to little-known gems to recently composed works.  The orchestra is composed of students from across Alabama\, the United States\, and around the globe\, bringing talented young musicians together in one ensemble to give world-class performances of orchestral literature to Tuscaloosa and the surrounding community.

Dr. Bruce Faske joined the faculty at the University of Alabama School of Music in 2024 as Associate Professor of Trombone. He also serves as Principal Trombonist of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra and Second Trombonist of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Prior to Alabama, Dr. Faske taught at Arkansas State University and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. As an orchestral musician, Dr. Faske has performed with numerous ensembles, including the Dallas Opera, Richardson Symphony (TX), San Antonio Symphony (TX), Meridian Symphony (MS), Starkville Symphony (MS), Waco Symphony (TX), Texarkana Symphony (TX), Owensboro Symphony (KY), Jackson Symphony (TN), South Arkansas Symphony, Delta Symphony (AR). As a soloist, he is committed to championing new repertoire, including world premieres by Frank Gulino (Southeastern Rhapsody for trombone and piano), Howard Buss (Serendipity Suite for trombone, trumpet and piano) and Derek Jenkins (Remnants for trombone and piano). He has participated at the 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022 International Trombone Festivals, the International Women’s Brass Conference, the Music by Women Festival at the Mississippi University for Women, and soloist at the North American Brass Band Championships in Huntsville, Alabama. He has presented clinics for the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Directors Association, Arkansas Bandmasters Association, Arkansas Music Educators Association, Arkansas Small Band Association, Big 12 Trombone Conference, and public school band programs in Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Bruce Faske earned degrees from the University of Alabama (DMA), Baylor University (MM), and Texas A&M University-Commerce (BSM). His teachers include Jonathan Whitaker, Brent Phillips, Jimmy Clark, John McCroskey, Joseph Cox, Don Lucas, and Larry Campbell. In addition to his formal studies, he was a Participant in the 2011 and 2013 Alessi Seminar, a week long, international workshop led by Joseph Alessi, Principal Trombonist of the New York Philharmonic. Dr. Faske is a Trombone Artist for the S.E. Shires Company.

Dr. Bruce Faske joined the faculty at the University of Alabama School of Music in 2024 as Associate Professor of Trombone. He also serves as Principal Trombonist of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra and Second Trombonist of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Prior to Alabama\, Dr. Faske taught at Arkansas State University and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. As an orchestral musician\, Dr. Faske has performed with numerous ensembles\, including the Dallas Opera\, Richardson Symphony (TX)\, San Antonio Symphony (TX)\, Meridian Symphony (MS)\, Starkville Symphony (MS)\, Waco Symphony (TX)\, Texarkana Symphony (TX)\, Owensboro Symphony (KY)\, Jackson Symphony (TN)\, South Arkansas Symphony\, Delta Symphony (AR). As a soloist\, he is committed to championing new repertoire\, including world premieres by Frank Gulino (Southeastern Rhapsody for trombone and piano)\, Howard Buss (Serendipity Suite for trombone\, trumpet and piano) and Derek Jenkins (Remnants for trombone and piano). He has participated at the 2017\, 2018\, 2021\, and 2022 International Trombone Festivals\, the International Women’s Brass Conference\, the Music by Women Festival at the Mississippi University for Women\, and soloist at the North American Brass Band Championships in Huntsville\, Alabama. He has presented clinics for the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Directors Association\, Arkansas Bandmasters Association\, Arkansas Music Educators Association\, Arkansas Small Band Association\, Big 12 Trombone Conference\, and public school band programs in Texas\, Alabama\, Oklahoma\, and Arkansas. Bruce Faske earned degrees from the University of Alabama (DMA)\, Baylor University (MM)\, and Texas A&M University-Commerce (BSM). His teachers include Jonathan Whitaker\, Brent Phillips\, Jimmy Clark\, John McCroskey\, Joseph Cox\, Don Lucas\, and Larry Campbell. In addition to his formal studies\, he was a Participant in the 2011 and 2013 Alessi Seminar\, a week long\, international workshop led by Joseph Alessi\, Principal Trombonist of the New York Philharmonic. Dr. Faske is a Trombone Artist for the S.E. Shires Company.

Marine Band Established by an Act of Congress in 1798\, the United States Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Its mission is unique—to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. President John Adams invited the Marine Band to make its White House debut on New Year’s Day\, 1801\, in the then-unfinished Executive Mansion. In March of that year\, the band performed for Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration and it is believed that it has performed for every presidential inaugural since. In Jefferson\, the band found its most visionary advocate. An accomplished musician himself\, Jefferson recognized the unique relationship between the band and the Chief Executive and he is credited with giving the Marine Band its title\, “The President’s Own.” Whether performing for State Dinners or South Lawn arrivals\, events of national significance\, or receptions\, Marine Band musicians appear at the White House an average of 200 times each year. These performances range from small ensembles such as a solo pianist\, jazz combo or brass quintet to a country band\, dance band or full concert band. The diversity of music often presented at the Executive Mansion makes versatility an important requirement for Marine Band members. Musicians are selected at auditions much like those of major symphony orchestras\, and they enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps for permanent duty with the Marine Band. Most of today’s members are graduates of the nation’s finest music schools\, and more than 60 percent hold advanced degrees in music. In addition to its White House mission\, “The President’s Own” performs an annual season showcase series of indoor concerts and a popular outdoor summer concert series on the National Mall. Musicians from the band are frequently highlighted in solo performances and participate in more intimate chamber ensemble recitals that feature a wide range of smaller instrumental groups. Marine Band musicians also perform in many different types of ceremonies and events throughout the Washington\, D.C.\, metropolitan area including the Presidential Inauguration\, Full Honors funerals at Arlington National Cemetery\, Honor Flight ceremonies for veterans at the National World War II Memorial\, Friday Evening Parades at Marine Barracks\, Washington\, D.C.\, and educational programs in schools throughout the National Capital Region. Each fall\, the Marine Band travels throughout a portion of the continental United States during its concert tour\, a tradition initiated in 1891 by “The March King” John Philip Sousa\, who was the band’s legendary 17th Director. As Director from 1880–92\, Sousa brought “The President’s Own” to an unprecedented level of excellence and shaped the band into a world-famous musical organization. Since Sousa’s time\, the band’s musical reach has extended beyond America’s borders on several occasions with performances in England\, Norway\, Ireland\, the Netherlands\, Switzerland\, Singapore\, and the former Soviet Union. During Sousa’s tenure\, the Marine Band was one of the first musical ensembles to make sound recordings. By 1892\, more than 200 different titles were available for sale\, placing Sousa’s marches among the first and most popular pieces ever recorded. While the Marine Band is firmly dedicated to preserving the unique musical traditions established over its long history\, it is equally committed to serving as a leading ensemble in the development of new repertoire for winds. In 2000\, “The President’s Own” commissioned David Rakowski’s Ten of a Kind\, a piece honored as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in music in 2002. In 2007\, the band commissioned “Scamp” by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Melinda Wagner\, and the Marine Band premièred Scott Lindroth’s Passage at the 2010 Midwest Clinic in Chicago. In 2011\, the band commissioned and premièred Flourishes and Meditations on a Renaissance Theme by Michael Gandolfi at the American Bandmasters Association’s annual convention in Norfolk\, Va. Most recently\, music written for the Marine Band has included Gerard Schwarz’ Above and Beyond\, Jacob Bancks’ The Information Age and Laurence Bitensky to write Fearsome Critters\, the latter of which was premièred at the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention in San Antonio in July 2012. On July 11\, 1998\, the Marine Band celebrated its 200th anniversary with a command performance at the White House and a gala concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington attended by President and Mrs. Clinton. Also during its bicentennial year\, the Marine Band was the only ensemble inducted into the inaugural class of the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in Cincinnati. Given its status among American musical organizations\, “The President’s Own” continues to attract prominent guest conductors from major orchestras around the globe\, including Osmo Vänskä\, Leonard Slatkin\, José Serebrier and Gerard Schwarz. On July 12\, 2003\, the Marine Band returned to the Kennedy Center to celebrate its 205th anniversary in a concert featuring guest conductor John Williams\, renowned composer of American film and concert works and laureate conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra. Williams returned to the podium in 2008 to conduct the final concert of the Living History concert series celebrating the Marine Band’s 210th anniversary. In honor of the Marine Band’s 215th birthday\, John Williams composed and dedicated an original work to the Marine Band aptly titled “For ‘The President’s Own.’” The Marine Band’s integral role in the national culture and in the government’s official life has affirmed the importance of the arts as a bridge between people. Since 1798\, the Marine Band’s mission has been to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. As the only musical organization with that mission\, the Marine Band looks to the future\, viewing its history and tradition as the foundation upon which to build its third century of bringing music to the White House and to the American people.

Marine Band Established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the United States Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Its mission is unique—to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. President John Adams invited the Marine Band to make its White House debut on New Year’s Day, 1801, in the then-unfinished Executive Mansion. In March of that year, the band performed for Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration and it is believed that it has performed for every presidential inaugural since. In Jefferson, the band found its most visionary advocate. An accomplished musician himself, Jefferson recognized the unique relationship between the band and the Chief Executive and he is credited with giving the Marine Band its title, “The President’s Own.” Whether performing for State Dinners or South Lawn arrivals, events of national significance, or receptions, Marine Band musicians appear at the White House an average of 200 times each year. These performances range from small ensembles such as a solo pianist, jazz combo or brass quintet to a country band, dance band or full concert band. The diversity of music often presented at the Executive Mansion makes versatility an important requirement for Marine Band members. Musicians are selected at auditions much like those of major symphony orchestras, and they enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps for permanent duty with the Marine Band. Most of today’s members are graduates of the nation’s finest music schools, and more than 60 percent hold advanced degrees in music. In addition to its White House mission, “The President’s Own” performs an annual season showcase series of indoor concerts and a popular outdoor summer concert series on the National Mall. Musicians from the band are frequently highlighted in solo performances and participate in more intimate chamber ensemble recitals that feature a wide range of smaller instrumental groups. Marine Band musicians also perform in many different types of ceremonies and events throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area including the Presidential Inauguration, Full Honors funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, Honor Flight ceremonies for veterans at the National World War II Memorial, Friday Evening Parades at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., and educational programs in schools throughout the National Capital Region. Each fall, the Marine Band travels throughout a portion of the continental United States during its concert tour, a tradition initiated in 1891 by “The March King” John Philip Sousa, who was the band’s legendary 17th Director. As Director from 1880–92, Sousa brought “The President’s Own” to an unprecedented level of excellence and shaped the band into a world-famous musical organization. Since Sousa’s time, the band’s musical reach has extended beyond America’s borders on several occasions with performances in England, Norway, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Singapore, and the former Soviet Union. During Sousa’s tenure, the Marine Band was one of the first musical ensembles to make sound recordings. By 1892, more than 200 different titles were available for sale, placing Sousa’s marches among the first and most popular pieces ever recorded. While the Marine Band is firmly dedicated to preserving the unique musical traditions established over its long history, it is equally committed to serving as a leading ensemble in the development of new repertoire for winds. In 2000, “The President’s Own” commissioned David Rakowski’s Ten of a Kind, a piece honored as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in music in 2002. In 2007, the band commissioned “Scamp” by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Melinda Wagner, and the Marine Band premièred Scott Lindroth’s Passage at the 2010 Midwest Clinic in Chicago. In 2011, the band commissioned and premièred Flourishes and Meditations on a Renaissance Theme by Michael Gandolfi at the American Bandmasters Association’s annual convention in Norfolk, Va. Most recently, music written for the Marine Band has included Gerard Schwarz’ Above and Beyond, Jacob Bancks’ The Information Age and Laurence Bitensky to write Fearsome Critters, the latter of which was premièred at the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention in San Antonio in July 2012. On July 11, 1998, the Marine Band celebrated its 200th anniversary with a command performance at the White House and a gala concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington attended by President and Mrs. Clinton. Also during its bicentennial year, the Marine Band was the only ensemble inducted into the inaugural class of the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in Cincinnati. Given its status among American musical organizations, “The President’s Own” continues to attract prominent guest conductors from major orchestras around the globe, including Osmo Vänskä, Leonard Slatkin, José Serebrier and Gerard Schwarz. On July 12, 2003, the Marine Band returned to the Kennedy Center to celebrate its 205th anniversary in a concert featuring guest conductor John Williams, renowned composer of American film and concert works and laureate conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra. Williams returned to the podium in 2008 to conduct the final concert of the Living History concert series celebrating the Marine Band’s 210th anniversary. In honor of the Marine Band’s 215th birthday, John Williams composed and dedicated an original work to the Marine Band aptly titled “For ‘The President’s Own.’” The Marine Band’s integral role in the national culture and in the government’s official life has affirmed the importance of the arts as a bridge between people. Since 1798, the Marine Band’s mission has been to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. As the only musical organization with that mission, the Marine Band looks to the future, viewing its history and tradition as the foundation upon which to build its third century of bringing music to the White House and to the American people.

Sponsored by Ms. Camilla Huxford, the Huxford Symphony Orchestra is the University of Alabama’s top orchestral ensemble.   Under the direction of Camilla Huxford Endowed Chair and Tuscaloosa’s own Ransom Wilson, the orchestra performs a wide range of repertoire, from beloved classics to little-known gems to recently composed works.  The orchestra is composed of students from across Alabama, the United States, and around the globe, bringing talented young musicians together in one ensemble to give world-class performances of orchestral literature to Tuscaloosa and the surrounding community.

Sponsored by Ms. Camilla Huxford\, the Huxford Symphony Orchestra is the University of Alabama’s top orchestral ensemble.   Under the direction of Camilla Huxford Endowed Chair and Tuscaloosa’s own Ransom Wilson\, the orchestra performs a wide range of repertoire\, from beloved classics to little-known gems to recently composed works.  The orchestra is composed of students from across Alabama\, the United States\, and around the globe\, bringing talented young musicians together in one ensemble to give world-class performances of orchestral literature to Tuscaloosa and the surrounding community.