Wreck on the Old 97 AUDIO

Title: The wreck on the southern Old 97. Performer: Vernon Dalhart. Issue Number/Label: 4898: Edison Blue Amberol. Year of Release: [1924]. Audio: Stream cylinder 6357.

Wreck on the Old 97 64Kbps MP3 1.9 mb, Wreck on the Old 97 VBR MP3 3.7 mb, Wreck on the Old 97 OGG format 2.4 mb which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGG format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia.



Note: Year of release from "Edison Blue Amberol Recordings" by R. Dethlefson, v.2 (1981). Note: Edison Blue Amberol: 4898. Note: Tenor and chorus with harmonica and guitar accompaniment by Frank Ferera.

Composer/Performer: Whitter, Henry, d. 1941. Composer/Performer: Ferera, Frank, 1885-1951. Composer/Performer: Dalhart, Vernon, 1883-1948. Subject: Popular music--1921-1930. Subject: Old-time music. Subject: Transportation--Songs and music. Item Location: Special Coll., Performing Arts - Cylinder 6357

The raw transfers created by the University of California are in the public domain. Users of this website are free to use these raw transfers as they see fit, not limited to redistribution to others, including distribution over peer-to-peer file-sharing networks; reissue, mashups, mixes for commercial or non-commercial purposes; or other uses that could be imagined.

Keywords: Old 97; Old-time music; Edison; harmonica; guitar.

Shorebirds Seagulls AUDIO

Shorebirds Seagulls :12 seconds The following sound clip is public domain and may be used without prior permission. If possible, please credit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Shorebirds Seagulls 64Kbps MP3 101 kb, Shorebirds Seagulls VBR MP3 200 kb, Shorebirds Seagulls OGG format 122 kb which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGG format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia.

Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Keywords: Shorebirds; Seagulls, Creative Commons license: Public Domain

Air Force One VC-25 VIDEO

The mission of the VC-25 aircraft, Air Force One, is to provide transport for the President of the United States.

Air Force One in 512Kb MPEG4 format 5.2 mb Air Force One Windows Media 3.3 mb. Air Force One OGV format 4.6 mb which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGV format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia.

The Presidential air transport fleet consists of two specially configured Boeing 747-200B's

Air Force Link is provided as a public service by the Office of the Secretary of Air Force (Public Affairs).

Information presented on Air Force Link is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested.

Producer: United States Air Force

Keywords: Air Force One; President of the United States; potus

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

Frogs Sounds Vocalizations AUDIO

Frogs :29 seconds The following sound clip is public domain and may be used without prior permission. If possible, please credit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Frogs 64Kbps MP3 239 kb, Frogs VBR MP3 478 kb, Frogs OGG format 375 kb which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGG format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia.

America the Beautiful instrumental and vocal AUDIO

America the Beautiful 64Kbps MP3 1.7 mb, America the Beautiful VBR MP3 2.6 mb, America the Beautiful OGG format 2.4 mb which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGG format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia. RELATED: America the Beautiful Instrumental

America the beautiful / Samuel Ward [sound recording], Title: America the beautiful [sound recording] instrumental and vocal, Composer: Ward, Samuel. Arranger(s) Dragon, Carmen. Performing Ensemble: United States Navy Band. Lyricist: Bates, Katharine Lee. Publisher(s): Department of Defense. Form: sound recording.

Note(s): Taken from CD entitled: "Remembering the Navy Hour." Featuring the Navy Band and Sea Chanters. Recorded by Sheffield Recording, Ltd., Inc. at the George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall. Credit: Performing Arts Encyclopedia, Library of Congress.

This Composition is in the public domain because its copyright has expired. This applies to the United States, where Works published prior to 1978 were copyright protected for a maximum of 75 years. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office. Works published before 1923 are now in the public domain. This composition is also in the public domain in countries that figure copyright from the date of death of the artist (post mortem auctoris) in this case Katharine Lee Bates (words), (August 12, 1859 – March 28, 1929), Samuel Augustus Ward (tune) (28 December 1847 – 28 September 1903), and that most commonly runs for a period of 50 to 70 years from December 31 of that date.

This media file is a work of a U.S. Department of Defense employee, made during the course of the person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the media file is in the public domain. Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office.

Keywords: America the Beautiful

Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Sounds Vocalizations AUDIO

Killer Whales Songs 64Kbps MP3 239 kb, Killer Whales Songs VBR MP3 238 kb, Killers Whales Songs OGG format 245 kb which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGG format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia.

Killer Whales Songs 2 64Kbps MP3 682 kb, Killer Whales Songs 2 VBR MP3 681 kb, Killer Whales Songs 2 OGG format 707 kb



Ownership: Information presented on this website (National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Department of the Interior), unless otherwise indicated , is considered in the public domain. It may may be distributed or copied as is permitted by the law. Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office.

The recordings available here were made by the National Park Service, using a hydrophone that is anchored near the mouth of Glacier Bay, Alaska for the purpose of monitoring ambient noise. The recordings are intended to provide examples of the types of natural and manmade sounds that occur in Glacier Bay National Park.

Vocalizations of the two most commonly encountered killer whale forms, the fish-eating (resident) killer whale, and the mammal-eating (transient) killer whale, are difficult to distinguish by the untrained ear. However, for the researcher studying killer whale vocalizations they are almost as distinct as photographic images of the whales.

The vocalizations not only tell the researcher whether the calling killer whale is a resident or a transient, but also reveal to which resident or transient population or sub-population the caller belongs. If the caller is a resident, it furthermore shows who his closest relatives are. Both residents and transients use discrete calls, whistles, and clicks.

Calls and whistles are used only in social communication, while clicks are predominantly used in echolocation. A clicking killer whale produces high frequency sounds and uses the echoes of those sounds to form images of the areas around him or her. In much the same way that humans use sonar to investigate the seafloor, the ultra structure of certain materials, or medical views of the inside of our bodies, whales use echolocation to orient and find food in an environment where lighting conditions are poor.

Based on differences in usage of calls, whistles, and clicks, researchers can tell whether the whales are foraging, resting, or socializing.

Keywords: Killer Whale, Orcinus orca

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Fear Itself AUDIO

(FDR) Fear Itself 64Kbps MP3 113 kb, (FDR) Fear Itself VBR MP3 225 kb, (FDR) Fear Itself OGG format 115 kb which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGG format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), First Inaugural Address, Delivered 4 March 1933 "So first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."



This recording is a work of an employee of the United States government, made during the course of the person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, it is in the public domain. Credit: Franklin D. Roosevelt Library & Museum

Works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office.

Keywords: Franklin Delano Roosevelt; FDR; Fear Itself; Inaugural Address

John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address AUDIO

Kennedy Inaugural Address 64Kbps MP3 6.7 mb, Kennedy Inaugural Address VBR MP3 10 mb, Kennedy Inaugural Address OGG format 5.9 mb which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGG format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia.



Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961, United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. Date: January 20, 1961, Copyright: Public domain. Credit: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum, Boston, Massachusetts

Details: Audio file of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961. Running time 14 minutes.

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

• Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, Reverend Clergy, fellow citizens:
  
  We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom--symbolizing an end as well as a beginning--signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.
  
  The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe--the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.
  
  We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans--born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.
  
  Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
  
  This much we pledge--and more.
  
  To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do--for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.
  
  To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom--and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.
  
  To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required--not because the communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.
  
  To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge--to convert our good words into good deeds--in a new alliance for progress--to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other power know that this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.
  
  To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support--to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective--to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak--and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.
  
  Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.
  
  We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.
  
  But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course--both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war.
  
  So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.
  
  Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.
  
  Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms--and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.
  
  Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce.
  
  Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah--to "undo the heavy burdens . . . (and) let the oppressed go free."
  
  And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.
  
  All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.
  
  In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.
  
  Now the trumpet summons us again--not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need--not as a call to battle, though embattled we are-- but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation"--a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself.
  
  Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?
  
  In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility--I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it--and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
  
  And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.
  
  My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
  
  Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.
  

Keywords: John F. Kennedy; Inaugural Address

Semper Fidelis Inauguration Music AUDIO

“Semper Fidelis," is the title of the official march of the United States Marine Corps, composed by John Philip Sousa in 1889. Sousa was director of the United States Marine Band , on the march

Semper Fidelis Inauguration Music 64Kbps MP3 1.5 mb, Semper Fidelis Inauguration Music VBR MP3 4.2 mb, Semper Fidelis Inauguration Music OGG format 2.3 mb which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGG format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia.



This composition is a work of an employee (John Philip Sousa) of the Department of Defence of the United States, made during the course of the person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, it is in the public domain.

Performed by The U.S. Marine Corps Band, Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office.

After performing at James Madison’s inaugural in 1809, “The President’s Own” ushered in the first inaugural ball, playing for Thomas Jefferson and James and Dolley Madison as they entered the crowded room at Long's Hotel. The band played "Jefferson's March" when the former president arrived and "President Madison's March" when President Madison and his wife, Dolley, entered the ball.

In 1817 James Monroe's inaugural ceremony was held in Congress Hall, also called "The little Brick Capitol." This was the temporary home for Congress following the burning of the Capitol in 1814) on a portico erected outdoors in front of the hall. This was the first outdoor inaugural ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Monroe's second inaugural ceremony, in 1821, was held at the rebuilt U.S. Capitol. The Marine Band played music to accompany his arrival and at the conclusion of the ceremony.

National Emblem Inauguration Music AUDIO

National Emblem Trio Strain, written around 1906 by Edwin Eugene Bagley, for marching on Colors

National Emblem Inauguration Music 64Kbps MP3 682 kb, National Emblem Inauguration Music VBR MP3 1.8 mb, National Emblem Inauguration Music OGG format 1.1 mb which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGG format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia.



The Marine Band is believed to have made its inaugural debut in 1801 for Thomas Jefferson, the first President to be inaugurated in Washington, D.C. “The President’s Own,” a moniker Jefferson is credited with giving to band, likely performed “Jefferson’s March” and other airs for the President at his hotel before he walked the short route to the Capitol for his swearing-in. For his second inaugural, workers from the Washington Navy Yard, accompanied by military music, marched with the President. This was the first-ever inaugural parade on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Performed by The U.S. Marine Corps Band, Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office.

This MP3 (or other media file) is in the public domain because its copyright has expired. This applies to the United States, where Works published prior to 1978 were copyright protected for a maximum of 75 years. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office. Works published before 1923 are now in the public domain.

this file may not be public domain in countries that figure copyright from the date of death of the artist (post mortem auctoris in this case Edwin Eugene Bagley 1857-1922) and that most commonly run for a period of 50 to 70 years from the last day (december 31st) of that year. If your use will be outside the U.S.. please check your local law.

Keywords: National Emblem; Inauguration Music

.50 Caliber Machine Gun

.50 Caliber Machine Gun 64Kbps MP3 413 kb, .50 Caliber Machine Gun VBR MP3 825 kb, .50 Caliber Machine Gun OGG format 439 kb which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGG format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia.



Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System: Information presented on or via DVIDS is considered public information (Public Domain) and may be distributed or copied unless otherwise specified. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested.

Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office.

Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs 8 Dec 2008 Al Asad Air Base IQ

B-roll of Marines with Regimental Combat Team 5 laying down suppression fire with a .50 cal machine gun and firing a man-portable, anti-tank guided missile, the Javelin, at a range near Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. Scenes include footage of Marines firing the weapons from a tank and from the ground and the resulting explosions. Produced by Lance Cpl. Paul Torres.

Keywords: .50 Caliber; Machine Gun; small arms fire

Ares I-X Rocket Orion Crew Vehicle VIDEO

Ares I-X Rocket Orion Crew Vehicle in MPEG4 format 8.7 mb Ares I-X Rocket Orion Crew Vehicle Real Media format 18 mb. Ares I-X Rocket Orion Crew Vehicle OGV format 17 mb which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGV format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia.

Four decades ago, NASA Langley Research Center's Transonic Dynamics tunnel was used to test the Saturn V rockets that sent Apollo aloft. These days the focus is on Ares I-X, the first test flight in the development of the Ares I rocket. Today's testers are in contact with those from the Apollo era to learn how they did it. Ares I-X is part of NASA's Constellation program that, beginning in 2015, will be used for visits to the International Space Station and missions to explore the moon and beyond.

This work is in the public domain in the United States because it is a work of the United States Federal Government under the terms of Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 105 of the US Code.

Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office.

NASA still images; audio files; video; and computer files used in the rendition of 3-dimensional models, such as texture maps and polygon data in any format, generally are not copyrighted.

If the NASA material is to be used for commercial purposes, especially including advertisements, it must not explicitly or implicitly convey NASA's endorsement of commercial goods or services. If a NASA image includes an identifiable person, using the image for commercial purposes may infringe that person's right of privacy or publicity

Keywords: Ares I-X Rocket; Orion Crew Vehicle; NASA; Space flight

American Crow AUDIO

American Crow 64Kbps MP3 58 kb, American Crow VBR MP3 174 kb, American Crow OGG format 80 kb which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGG format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia.



This black bird is related to the raven, magpie, and the jays. Its wingspan is often over 3 ft. long, and it's usually seen in flight. The crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is one of the most intelligent and adaptable birds. Its diet consists of small animals, eggs, carrion (dead animals), and even garbage!

Ownership: Mississippi National River and Recreation Area - American Crow (U.S. National Park Service). Information presented on this website, unless otherwise indicated , is considered in the public domain. It may may be distributed or copied as is permitted by the law.

Keywords: American Crow; black bird; raven; magpie.

Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office.

Ruffles and flourishes AUDIO

Ruffles and flourishes 64Kbps MP3 85 kb, Ruffles and flourishes VBR MP3 169 kb, Ruffles and flourishes OGG format 149 kb which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGG format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia.



Ruffles and flourishes is the preceding fanfare to ceremonial music played for distinguished people.

Ruffles are played on drums, and flourishes are played on bugles. For example, the President of the United States receives four ruffles and flourishes which is the highest honor.

Performed by The U.S. Marine Corps Band, Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office.

Keywords: Ruffles and flourishes; president; potus; Marine Corps Band; ceremonial music.

Hail to the chief AUDIO

Hail to the chief 64Kbps MP3 324 kb, Hail to the chief VBR MP3 487 kb, Hail to the chief OGG format 495 kb which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGG format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia.



Performing Ensemble: United States Air Force Concert Band. Publisher(s): Department of Air Force. Keywords: Air Force Concert Band; Hail to the chief; President; potus

Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office.

This MP3 (or other media file) is in the public domain because its copyright has expired. This applies to the United States, where Works published prior to 1978 were copyright protected for a maximum of 75 years. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office. Works published before 1923 are now in the public domain. This media file is also in the public domain in countries that figure copyright from the date of death of the artist (post mortem auctoris) in this case James Sanderson (1769-1841), and that most commonly runs for a period of 50 to 70 years from December 31 of that date.

"Hail to the Chief," with its preceding fanfare known as "Ruffles and Flourishes," is traditionally played to announce the arrival of the President at State functions. Possibly derived from an old Gaelic air, "Hail to the Chief" was used in James Sanderson’s musical play of 1812, The Lady of the Lake. It appears in a gallant boating scene honoring the highland chieftain, Sir Roderick Dhu. The song was already very popular when the Marine Band played it from a barge for the opening of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal on July 4, 1828, in the presence of President John Quincy Adams.

On March 4, 1829, the Marine Band performed at the inauguration of President Andrew Jackson, the first inaugural ceremonies held on the U.S. Capitol steps. President Martin Van Buren instituted formal outdoor concerts on the U.S. Capitol grounds, a tradition carried on today during the summer months. President William Henry Harrison died one month after his inauguration, and the Marine Band led his funeral cortege on April 4, 1841.

President John Tyler is believed to be the first to use "Hail to the Chief" as the official Presidential honors. "Hail to the Chief" had been played in the White House under Presidents Jackson and Van Buren, but it did not become the official Presidential honors until First Lady Julia Tyler instructed the Marine Band to play it whenever the President made an official appearance. President Tyler also instituted weekly public concerts on the White House grounds, a tradition that continued on Saturday evenings from spring to fall until the administration of Herbert Hoover. In 1854 President Franklin Pierce approved legislation allowing the band extra pay for playing "on the grounds of the President and the Capitol."