The United States Navy Band

Known as "The World's Finest," the United States Navy Band was founded in March 4, 1925 under the leadership of Lt. Charles Benter. The band supports various music education programs such as "Music in Our Schools" and the "International Saxophone Symposium." The United States Navy Band has a very long and interesting history. To this day, they continue to promote patriotism through music, maintain musical heritage and support government officials and military personnel through their performances, public concerts and recordings. The band has several different music groups that perform specific repertoires: the Navy Band Ceremonial Unit, "Commodores," "Sea Chanters" chorus, "Country Current" country-bluegrass group, "Cruisers" contemporary music ensemble and the Navy Band Chamber Music Division.

This Day in Music History: 1854 - John Philip Sousa was born in Washington, DC. Popularly called "The March King," John Philip Sousa's patriotism resonates from the numerous marches he wrote throughout his career. He was an American composer of marches, conductor, performer and bandleader. His most famous work is the "Stars and Stripes Forever," known as the official march of the United States.