The Marine Band has always been a part of inauguration ceremonies. It played at the first inaugural ball, James Madison’s, at Long’s Hotel. And beginning with that of James Monroe, this group has played at almost every inaugural ceremony, and it has marched in every inaugural parade. President Lincoln insisted that the Marine Band give frequent out-of-door concerts during the Civil War to help the morale of the people in Washington. It accompanied him to Gettysburg when he delivered his famous address. During its long life--more than 170 years--the Marine Band has had eighteen leaders. Although each did his best according to his musical training and experience, it was not until John Philip Sousa took over the leadership that the band reached the highest peak of its achievement. The vigorous and dynamic Sousa saw the band’s possibilities and things began to happen. He reorganized the personnel and increased the number of players. He inspired his men to high performance. He persuaded Congress to send them on nation-wide tours. Soon the Marine Band was the best-known and most popular band in America. Other leaders have carried on where Sousa left off--Francisco Fanciulli, W. H. Santelmann, Taylor Branson and W. F. Santelmann. The work of its great leaders together with the invention and improvement of instruments has revolutionized the Marine Band’s performance since the fife and drum days of 1775. “The motto of the Marine Corps, _Semper Fidelis_--_Always Faithful_--is the keynote to which the band strives and it hopes to bring honor, glory and distinction to its proud history.” MAJOR WILLIAM F. SANTELMANN _Leader of the Marine Band_ Another 8th grade football game was on. Both teams were putting up a hard fight. Clutching the ball tight against his body, Bill Santelmann raced towards the goal. The next minute, it seemed to him, that both teams had landed on top of him. When the heap of waving arms and legs had been unscrambled, Bill couldn’t get up. “That’s not too bad, fellow,” said the gym teacher cheerfully as he looked over the victim. “Just a broken collar bone, I think. It will heal in no time.” But a horrible thought came into Bill’s mind. “Will I ever be able to play my violin again?” Just the night before, he had heard the Boston Symphony Orchestra Concert, with Fritz Kreisler playing his violin. He had resolved then and there that nothing should keep him from being a violinist. “And now, this would happen!” he said to himself. “Well, this settles it. No more athletics for me! Playing my violin means more to me than playing football.” William F. Santelmann was born on February 24, 1902, in Washington, D. C. His father, Captain W. H. Santelmann, was the leader of the U. S. Marine Band.