“The President’s Own,” which includes the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra, 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. Musicians perform frequently at the White House in small ensembles, chamber orchestra, concert band, and as soloists. The orchestra also performs for a wide variety of commitments to include public concerts, chamber music recitals, military ceremonies, and state functions. Today’s Marine Band is composed of roughly 170 of the nation’s finest musicians and support staff. Those selected for the United States Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra are exempt from recruit training and are appointed to the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) under a contract “for duty with the United States Marine Band only.”