News

‘The President’s Own’ United States Marine Band preps for presidential inauguration in Alexandria

By James Cullum
1/10

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band has a full schedule for inauguration day on Monday (Jan. 20), and they’re getting ready for the big day in Alexandria.

The band spent two days rehearsing for their 57th inauguration day at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Their schedule includes the swearing in of President-elect Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol, the parade on Pennsylvania Avenue and the inaugural balls.

Gunnery Sergeant Kristin Bowers has been with the band for seven years, which is about as long as she and her family have lived in Alexandria. She’s the assistant principal clarinetist and said that inauguration day is a grueling experience.

“It’s a really challenging day,” Bowers told ALXnow. “Even when you’re not faced with playing your instrument and doing the performing and the marching.”

Bowers said that her wakeup alarm is set for 1 a.m.

“There’s a lot of security hurdles before we even walk out onto the platform,” she said. “It’s a really long, long day, and that preparation starts days before the inauguration.”

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.