The President's Own is the Marine Band. They were the first band to play in the White House - John Adams was president. The staff is most likely the band's drum major's staff, which makes it possible for every band member to see the major's directions. I would guess the whistles also belong to the drum major and are used to help signal directions to the band when marching. BTW, I imagine it's made of brass. I don't think Marine pay would stretch to golden drum major's staffs.
The drum major is the person who marches in front of the band and leads the marching, commencing to play and so on. I'm sure you've seen them in every parade you've ever watched. They often also wear a very tall hat, again so it's easier for, say, the tuba section in the back, to see them. The Marine Band is a big deal. You've probably heard of their most famous band director - John Philip Sousa. Yeah, that John Philip Sousa.
If you're ever in the DC area, you should go to one of their Friday parades at the local Marine barracks. They also do frequent concerts around the area.
https://www.marineband.marines.mil/Calendar/
The President's Own is the Marine Band. They were the first band to play in the White House - John Adams was president. The staff is most likely the band's drum major's staff, which makes it possible for every band member to see the major's directions. I would guess the whistles also belong to the drum major and are used to help signal directions to the band when marching. BTW, I imagine it's made of brass. I don't think Marine pay would stretch to golden drum major's staffs.
Ahhhh. Thanks for the explanation. I'm not familiar with any band equipment or decorations.
The drum major is the person who marches in front of the band and leads the marching, commencing to play and so on. I'm sure you've seen them in every parade you've ever watched. They often also wear a very tall hat, again so it's easier for, say, the tuba section in the back, to see them. The Marine Band is a big deal. You've probably heard of their most famous band director - John Philip Sousa. Yeah, that John Philip Sousa.
Oh wow. Yes, definitely know of Sousa! Thank you again for explaining with details.
If you're ever in the DC area, you should go to one of their Friday parades at the local Marine barracks. They also do frequent concerts around the area. https://www.marineband.marines.mil/Calendar/