Exceptionally well-trained in the traditions and duties of the Marine Band, Major Santelmann is a successful leader, well-liked by his men and popular in Washington. His enjoyable programs for state affairs and for other occasions have won high praise. After the concerts which he arranged for the visit of the rulers of England, Major Santelmann received personal thanks from King George and Queen Elizabeth. Another unusual occasion which Major Santelmann will never forget was the concert played on the White House lawn, May 20, 1943. Prime Minister Churchill had requested a program of Stephen Foster ballads and American war songs. The audience was made up of President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill, McKenzie-King of Canada and all the other members of the war planning staffs of America and England. Just as the band began to play the first number, the rain poured down in torrents. Nevertheless the drenched listeners sat through it all while Roosevelt and Churchill sang and whistled with the band. The Santelmanns live on a half acre of ground in Virginia. Major Santelmann said, “I did marry my college sweetheart! In fact, we are still sweethearts although we celebrated our twenty-fifth anniversary in May, 1950.” They have two children, William Jr. and Betty Jane. Major Santelmann’s hobbies center around his home too. “Yes, I have a hobby,” said he, “several of them in fact. I like to work with my hands, anything that is good hard work.” He has made cement blocks and covered an attractive terrace with them. He gives his garden a great deal of time in its season, and he likes to chop wood. By trimming and cutting the trees on his own land, Major Santelmann supplies all the wood needed for the fireplace. These hobbies have kept him physically fit and mentally alert for his exacting job. For Major Santelmann is successfully carrying on the ideals and high standards of his famous band, “The President’s Own.” _The U. S. Navy Band_ The _Brandywine_, an American man-of-war, entered on her payroll of July 26, 1825, the name of James F. Draper, a musician at “ten dollars per month.” This was the first name on the band list of our Navy, but other names were added rapidly. James F. Draper, whether fifer or drummer we do not know, may not have rated as much of a musical man in his day, but his name is the first of a noted organization in the world of music. Soon other ships had three or four musicians whom they called out on special occasions. When battles with pirates and other enemy ships thinned the numbers of the crews, the bands were sent ashore to recruit men to fill their quotas. The bands marched through the streets, loudly rolling their drums and tooting their shrill fifes, to call landsmen to join them in sailing the seas to find treasure and adventure.