It’s called “The President’s Own” because it coordinates music at the White House, where it appears more than 200 times a year for various ceremonies, dinners and receptions and to accompany popular entertainers.

And with an Oct. 13 concert at the Lied Center, the United States Marine Band will continue a century-old tradition of touring the nation.

Established in 1798, the Marine Band is America’s oldest professional musical organization. It made its White House debut Jan. 1, 1801, and has performed at the inauguration of every president since Thomas Jefferson, who gave the band the title “The President’s Own.”

The band’s primary mission is to provide music for presidential functions and the commandant of the Marine Corps. Marine band musicians appear at the White House more than 200 times a year, playing various ceremonies, dinners and receptions and accompanying popular entertainers.

In 1891, John Philip Sousa, the band’s 17th director, led the ensemble on its first concert tour. The tradition of touring the country each fall continues today.

Conducted by Marine Band Director Lt. Col. Michael J. Colburn, the modern band typically performs 10 different programs during the tour, rotating them to best suit the venue. Following Sousa’s model, the performances blend traditional concert band and contemporary wind ensemble music.

Sponsored by the Journal-World and the Lied Center, next month’s free concert will mark the group’s third Lawrence performance since 1989. All have been sold out.

The group played to a full Hoch Auditorium during an Oct. 16, 1989, show. On Oct. 13, 1994, it performed at the Lied Center to the largest-ever audience drawn to the venue.

Tickets for the concert, set for 7:30 p.m. Oct 13, are available starting Monday, either by returning the coupon in today’s Journal-World or by visiting the Lied Center box office, which is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. No phone orders will be allowed.