In 2002, anticipating the 205th anniversary year of "The President's Own" Marine Band, the then-Directors of this beloved ensemble invited John Williams to conduct a gala concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The legendary American composer graciously accepted, noting that his own father, a percussionist, had taught his son to love and respect the Marine Band from a young age. Williams first appeared with the band on July 12, 2003, one day after the band's official 205th birthday, thus inaugurating a long collaboration sustained by mutual respect and admiration. Williams would return to the Kennedy Center for another concert, this time in celebration of the band's 210th anniversary, in 2008. Several of his most enduring works were prepared especially for the Marine Band for these concerts, from film soundtrack highlights to original concert works. These full-length gala concerts from 2003 and 2008 are, taken together, a tour de force of some of Williams' most popular and creative scores, and serve as the primary source for this unique new recording collection. "Performing with 'The President's Own, '" writes Williams, "has been one of the highest honors of my working life in music. My great hope is that listeners of this special recording will experience some of the exhilaration and fun that I enjoyed conducting these two memorable performances... this ensemble truly is a national treasure of which all Americans should be justly proud."

Legendary composer for stage and screen John Williams has admired the United States Marine Band, the "President's Own," since childhood - and in recent decades, the maestro and ensemble's mutual admiration has deepened amidst a series of collaborations marking the group's major anniversaries. The culmination of this twenty-year relationship was Williams' return to conduct the band's 225th anniversary gala concert in July 2023, along with the release of this 2026 album, John Williams and 'The President's Own,' Vol. 3. Completing a trilogy of albums issued by Naxos of America, this live recording brings the outstanding virtuosity, good cheer, and moving musicianship of that 2023 Kennedy Center concert to the world.

The compositions on this new release by The President’s Own Marine Band were all composed during the last century. They draw, however, on traditional American spirituals, ballads, folk tunes, and rags from the American Revolution to the present. The title of this release, “Be Glad Then, America,” is taken from New England Triptych by William Schuman, which is included on this album. Particularly notable are the three world premiere recordings: “For The President’s Own,” by John Williams, Aaron Copland’s “Third Symphony,” and a set of songs by Charles Ives set for this world class ensemble.

The newest release from Altissimo! Celebrates the music of Percy Grainger, both familiar and unknown, recorded live in 2011 at a concert given in observation of the 50th anniversary of composer death, performed by the "President's Own" US Marine Band under Colonel Michael J. Colburn in collaboration with the Choral Arts Society of Washington. The title The Music Lover's Grainger was borrowed from one of Grainger's many unfinished publishing projects, reflecting the world premiere recordings featured on the program. These include a version of "The Lost Lady Found", the final number of Lincolnshire Posy, transcribed for band and chorus, based on Grainger's original setting for chorus and orchestra; the original, unpublished band version of "Spoon River", reconstructed from the recently discovered manuscript parts; and a rarely heard, otherworldly harmonization of the "Londonderry Air", the tune of "Danny Boy", scored for band, chorus, and organ. A significant amateur ethnomusicologist, Grainger drew extensively from folksong, collecting several hundred tunes from the English countryside himself. The repertoire recorded here includes English, Irish, Scottish, American, and Danish influences.

Everyone is familiar with, at the very least, a handful of John Philip Sousa's magnificent marches. Melodies from The Washington Post, The Stars and Stripes Forever, and The Liberty Bell can be found in countless films, television programs, commercials, and anywhere patriotic music is to be heard. However, these works barely scratch the surface of Sousa's deep catalogue of amazing compositions. The Sousa: Deep Cuts series from Altissimo! Recordings, seeks to highlight his more obscure works, from less-familiar marches, to waltzes and suites. This collection, all recorded by ''The President's Own'' United States Marine Band, is the only way to hear some of these pieces, and is perfect for hardcore fans of ''The March King.''

The United States Navy Band is the premiere ensemble of the Navy, and is known as “The World’s Finest.” The band supports our troops and government officials through concerts, tours, ceremonies, and recordings, and has been doing so since its creation in 1925. Through its musical mission, the members of this historic group have served to inspire patriotism in its audiences, and to preserve American musical heritage. Designed to emulate a Navy Band concert program, this album contains a balance of patriotic music, marches, and concert band standards, all of which represent the very best recordings of this historic ensemble. Enjoy this exclusive production of the best of the Navy Band.

Founded in 1969, the 18-member United States Navy Band, Commodores, have been performing big band jazz for the Navy and the nation for over 40 years. They're held in high regard nationwide by concert patrons and critics alike, and have compiled an impressive roster of jazz artists who've guested with them (James Moody, Branford Marsalis, Chris Potter, and many more). Includes “I Thought About You”, “Don't Explain” and “Flamingo”, among others songs.

Founded in 1969, the 18-member United States Navy Band, Commodores, have been performing big band jazz for the Navy and the nation for over 40 years. They're held in high regard nationwide by concert patrons and critics alike, and have compiled an impressive roster of jazz artists who've guested with them (James Moody, Branford Marsalis, Chris Potter, and many more). This album includes an array of great jazz tunes, including “Caravan”, “Waltz For Debby” and “Lester Left Town”

The Heritage of the March Collection remains the largest single march music record series in history. Altissimo is continuing the release of this series with Volumes 5 & 6 in a two-CD set. Volume 5 features the marches of Frank Losey & Gian Mantagazzi. Volume 6 features the marches of Charles Barnhouse & Viktor Widqvist.

2013 collection that celebrates and honors the women of World War II. We Can Do It features music from the WWII era, including hits like 'In the Mood,' 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,' and 'Sing, Sing, Sing,' performed by the great musicians of the United States military, including the Airmen of Note, formed to carry on the tradition of Glenn Miller's Army Air Corps dance band.

West Point Band's Music Under the Stars is full of sweeping beautiful orchestration from the US Military Academy Concert Band. West Point has created a reputation for presenting serious concert music to their audience which is shown here with their exemplary mix of classical patriotic Broadway and concert style songs all accounted for.

The United States Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants, conducted by Major Albert A. Bader, present to you this arrangement of Christmas carols created by USAF Chief Arr. Floyd E. Werle. This composition is truly a masterpiece, and regarded by some as "one of the finest creations in his career." It was composed as a carol celebration for soloists, mixed chorus, symphonic band, and audience featuring traditional Christmas carols from around the world. This album has been re-mastered from the 1974 LP - the world premiere recording, and only recording of this piece available.