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Politics & Government

Palo Alto Native in "The President's Own" Band

Inauguration Day will keep the Marine busy with performances at the swearing-in ceremony, in the Inaugural Parade and at an Inaugural Ball.


When you watch the Inauguration of President Barack Obama on Monday, keep an eye out for Matthew Summers. The Marine gunnery sergeant is a euphonium player for “The President’s Own” United States Marine Corp Band. He’s also a 1994 graduate of Palo Alto High School.

You’ll get plenty of chances to spot Summers—he’ll play at the official swearing in ceremony, which will take place at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Following the swearing-in, Summers will march in the Inaugural Parade. His day doesn’t end there—the band will perform at the Commander in Chief’s Inaugural Ball.

“The President’s Own is the only musical unit to participate in all three events,” according to SSgt Rachel Ghadiali, Public Affairs Specialist for the Band. “The Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Founded in 1798, the band has performed for every U.S. President since John Adams. Known as ‘The President’s Own’ since the days of Thomas Jefferson, the Marine Band’s primary mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.”

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Summers began playing musical instruments at age 11 and quickly zoomed-in on the euphonium. His instructor was Stan Dittmer of Menlo Park. Summers joined the Marines after graduating from the University of Michigan.

In addition to playing in Marine Band, Summers plays in Marine Chamber Ensembles at the White House, around the Washington, D.C. area and across the country during an annual concert tour. He’s frequently a featured soloist.

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Summers lives in Arlington with his wife, Kay, and their children Ellen and Luke.

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