The times., 1899-07-02

Inc United states Marine baDQ Is the
Oldest musical organization of its kind in
America, having been formed in 1901. 1t
is not only the Oldest band in
this country, but it is regarded
by many as the best corps of mu-
sicians in the world. Its strains of me,ody
have enthused millions of Americans both
here in Washington and in distant parts
of the country where the organization has
gone to attend public functions of various
sorts. The name of the organization is
known all over the land and has come to
be recognized as a synonym of all that is
good in band music.
For years Washingtonians have possess
ed advantages in the respect Of hearing the
very best band OF music that the world
produces, not even the musc-loving cities
OF Germany possessing better outfit.
Up to the year 1891 the United States had
no band in its navy, but in that year the
spirit OF pride which would not passiyely
sanction Uncle Sans being outdone in the
matter OF naval appointments by Euro
pean or other power. began 10 manifest
Itself and the officers of a United States
rnGn-of- war stationed IN Italian waters. Sc
lecteG suitable musicians from the Italians.
who were organized into band From
ll1k -ALte A4ANA .AN ftttCkNSN VI AAfAAs q
regularly organized body OF musicians con-
rected with the UnItei States Naval Serv-
ice. The Italians were brought 10 this
country and tbs organization continued,
although il vas rot until 1851 that The band
Was authorized by Congress, when bili
WIS passed providing for thirty elassed
musicians
Under that law the director held no
rank in the Marine Corps. By the pas
sage of the Naval Personnel bill last
March the director has the rank, pay, and
allowances of a first lieutenant; one sec
ond leader is provided for with pay OF $40
per month and the rank and allowances
of a sergeant major; pay amounting to 500
month is given to thirty trst-ciass mu-
sicians. and $50 per month is given to
thirty second-class musicians. All the
PLAYERS below the second leader have the
rank and allowances of sergeants.
The band at present consists of fifty-six
members, the number to be Increased 10
the full quota between now and autumn
When Prof William II. Santelmann, the
present director, took charge of the band
in 1898, only eight men of those who mad
served under his predecessors remained
List of Famous Leaders.
Among the leaders of the band have been
men famous in the world of music. Trye
was the first leader. He was succeeded by
fOuS, WIZ luAH HeS AoAAN"SN ~
who held the position for forty years. I'm
der him the band reached high state OF
efficiency, and al this point in the history
of the organization its reputation became
established Fries and Schneider both pre-
ceded John Philip Sousa, who administered
the affairs of the band for twelve years
Ii was during the directorship OF Sousa
that the reputation of the band became
firmly established and the name Marine
Band became known to every section OF the
country. Sousa took the band on It's Ia
nous Western trip.
AT the time of Sousa's retirement the
body was in a very high state OF efficiency.
Francisco Fanciuili was the next leader
and held the position until 1898, when he
was succeeded by Prof. William h Santel-
man. who for a number of years previous
TO his appointment had lived in Washing
ton. He was prominent in local musical
circles being at one time leader of the
Columbia Theatre Orchestra and identified
throughout his residence in Washington
with the best music deyotees in the city.
Prof. Santelmann was born in the city of
Hanover, Germany and comes from mu-
sieal family. AT a very early age he be-
gan Ihe study of the violin, taking up
harmony and Instrumentation when four
teen years old. After completing three
years of service in the German army, he
entered the Conservatory of Music at Leop-
klCs anu hi AAt ClOSt VI llS NOllst III ludl
institution accepted an engagement to
come to Philadelphia with a concert band.
a year later he was received into the
band OF the United States Marine Corps
then under the leadeship of John Philip
Sousa- Since this time Prof. Santelmann
has been a resident of our city and it is
no small tribute to the character and abili-
ties of the man that he should have been
chosen to fill the vacancy caused by the
retirement of his predecessor. since each
step in his professional career was open
for inspection by the authorities who held
this appointment in their control. Of
Prof. Santelmanns compositions the
marches Admiral Dewey and Trans
Mississippi Exposition" have placed him
among the foremost of American march
writers. More pretentious is the ''Leba-
non Overture. and it will receive COM
mendation from the stricter class of mu-
sicians TO whom a march seems trivial or
commonplace OF the other compositions
the 'Danse Enchant,' the song. Lovers
Farewell" and some lighter music of the
dancing variety have received universal
commendation.
As leader Prof. Santelmann has worked
some marked changes in the methods and
work Of the organization. In placing the
men upon the concert platform rear
rangement has been made so as 10 form
them more after the manner OF an orches-
ira, thus bringing the less powerful reed
instruments TO the front while the heavier
brass is placed in the rear. II has been
proved that this gives a more even effect
In the tone values and also brings instru-
ments Of the same class into closer work
ing proximity. His style of conducting is
characterized by great vigor and is inspir-
fting TO the greatest degree both upon the
musicians themselves and upon the audi
ence. There also exists a cordiality be-
tween the musicians of the band and their
leader that contributes in no small degree
TO the perfect unity Of their performance
With the advent OF so much new material
Il is natural that II should take time to
bring the whole into harmony, but Prof.
Santelmann's untiring energy and the
hearty manner with which his efforts have
been seconded by the members OF the band
have caused the obstacles TO be overcome
without any check or any of the roughness
that might have been expected. In his
choice Of programmes IL has been the aim
Of the leader TO please all. but with lean
Ing toward the side OF the better class OF
music. ANY composition of merit is ac-
cepted and performed at the concerts of
the band without prejudice or favor. At
the same time Prof. Santelmann realizes
that in his bands lies the means OF render
ing class OF music beyond the reach of
any organization which cannot command
the daily rehearsals and constant attend
ance OF its members does the Marine
Band II is his ambition TO place the band
upon the highest pinnacle of artistic at
tainment that lies within the reach OF a
military band. And there is no reason
why man OF such energy and musical