Events

The strains of traditional concert band music, ranging from patriotic marches and orchestral works to a variety of popular favorites, will resound throughout the Main Hall when “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band performs a free concert on Monday, Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m., at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, County Executive Andy Spano announced today.

“For 200 years, this premier ensemble of professionally schooled musicians has been playing to packed houses across the United States,” Spano said. “We are very fortunate to have them performing right here in Westchester at the County Center.”

Established in 1798 by an Act of Congress, the United States Marine Band is American’s oldest professional music organization and dedicates itself to creating an engaging musical experience for patrons through which they can discover the rich, resonant world of music.  Twenty-seven directors have led the Marine Band throughout history, the most famous of which was John Philip Sousa.  Since its first performance on the White House lawn on the Fourth of July during Andrew Jackson’s presidency, the band still performs on the South Lawn during the annual Independence Day fireworks display.  Today, the band is celebrated not only for its rousing performances during official functions at the White House, but also for its dynamic public performances at more than 500 venues across the nation each year.
 
The Marine Band comprises approximately 160 members, many of whom serve for 20 years or more and hold advanced degrees from the world’s top music schools.  They are chosen at auditions much like those of major symphony orchestras and perform as a part of the Marine Band, Marine Chamber Orchestra, and Marine Chamber Ensembles.  Under Director Colonel Michael J. Colburn, the band performs a varied repertoire that includes new works for ensemble, traditional band literature, challenging orchestral transcriptions and the patriotic marches that made it famous.  The band frequently features its members in solo performances that highlight their virtuosity and artistry.
 
Free tickets for the performance will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Monday, Oct. 8, at the County Center box office.  Tickets can be picked up in person with a limit of four tickets per person.  Or, mail-order ticket requests will be honored by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY  10606  Attn: Marine Band Tickets.  Parking for the event is free at the County Center lot.
 
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and all ticket holders must be seated by 7:15 p.m., after which the general public will be admitted to fill any available seats. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

County Center box office hours are Mon. through Fri., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Sundays).  The County Center is accessible to the disabled, and can be reached via the Westchester County BEE-LINE bus system.

“The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band concert is sponsored by Westchester County Parks and the Marine Corps League/Westchester County.

The Westchester County Center is located at 198 Central Avenue at the intersection of the Bronx River Parkway and Tarrytown Road (Route 119) in White Plains.

For more information, log on to countycenter.biz or call (914) 995-4050.

General information about Westchester County Parks is available at www.westchestergov.com/parks or (914) 864-PARK.