> Which U.S. President signed an Act of Congress that created the United StatesMarine Band?And the answer: John Adams.Photo credit: UGA Performing Arts.Established in 1798, the United States MarineBand is America’s oldest active professional musical organization. Known as "ThePresident's Own," the band's mission is to provide music for the President atofficial functions.The year is 1798. In the then-capitol of Philadelphia, President John Adamssigns a congressional act which establishes the Marine Band: a group of 32drummers and fifers whose primary duty is to entertain the President of theUnited States. It isn't until 1800, though, that the U.S. Marine Band makes itspublic debut. In Washington D.C., on a hill overlooking the Potomac, earlysettlers flocked to hear the “Marines’ band of music.” By January of thefollowing year, the band had begun performing in the White House— even though itwasn't quite finished yet.In 1801, President Jefferson won the presidency, and brought with him a love formusic that would impact the U.S. Marine Band for years to come. In March of thatyear, the band performed for Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration— and for everypresidential inaugural since. In Jefferson, the band found its most visionaryadvocate. An accomplished musician himself, Jefferson recognized the uniquerelationship between the presidency and the band by giving the it the title of“The President’s Own.” Today, the U.S. Marine Band appears at the White House an average of 200 timesper year. Whether performing for State Dinners or South Lawn arrivals, events ofnational significance, or receptions, the Marine Band can be anything from asmall ensemble (such as a solo pianist, jazz combo or brass quintet) to acountry band, dance band or full concert band.Learn more about the history of the U.S. Marine Band here[https://www.marineband.marines.mil/About/Our-History/#:~:text=the%20Marine%20Band.-,JULY%2011%2C%201798,recruiting%20Marines%20and%20entertained%20residents.].