Jordan High is starting the year on a high note by serving as a host to “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band.

The band, known as one of the best in the world, will perform at Jordan High School, 95 E. Beetdigger Blvd., on Saturday, Sept. 20 as part of the group’s national concert tour.  The 7:30 p.m. event is free – but attendees must have tickets to enter the auditorium.

Jordan band teacher Brandon Cressall can be credited for bringing the band to the Canyons community. He reached out the musical organization, which is tasked by an Act of Congress to perform at the pleasure of the President of the United States, when he noticed that the band was planning to swing through Utah.  

He offered up Jordan’s 1,300-seat auditorium as a venue. The school’s auditorium and stage met the size requirements for a concert, he said, so the band’s leaders agreed to bring the band to town

“I think it’s a great opportunity for the community and it’s great for the state,” Cressall says.  “We don’t get a lot of world-renowned groups that come through … (This band) is on par with the New York Philharmonic.  It really is a great privilege to have them come here – and to do it for free.” 

Cressall says the band, when not performing for the president, travels the country, playing for the public. The stop at Jordan will be one of three in Utah during September. “They are really into being involved and being in contact” with public-education music programs, he said. 

Warning to those who plan to attend: security will be tight.  The high school has already been evaluated for security, no bags will be allowed into the auditorium the night of the event, and no video-recording or taping of any kind will be permitted.

“Once you’re in the group you are automatically an officer,” said Cressall.  “So we are looking at 110 high-ranking Marine Corps officers in the same place at the same time.”

Tickets can be obtained at Jordan High’s Main Office. But interested concertgoers can send the school a self-addressed stamped envelope in care of the U.S. Marine Band concert. Inside, please include your name and the number of tickets you’d like to reserve.  Only four tickets will be given per person.  If they run out of tickets, the envelope will be returned with a letter of regret.