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In the News

Hail to the marching band

The Washington Redskins Marching Band has been a tradition since 1938.

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Jan. 2, 2013

After the Washington Redskins Marching Band was dismissed after practice, the persussionist section stayed behind to play some more at FedEx Field in Landover. Aaron Polley, left in white jersey, and David Clark, right in green shirt, on cymbals add some dance to their performance. The marching band has been supporting the team at home games since the days of leather helmets.

Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post

Namon Jones, left, offers a few tips to bandmate Pam Robinson, who plays the bass drum for the Washington Redskins Marching Band. The band was created in 1938, the year after the Redskins moved to Washington.

Jan. 2, 2013

Namon Jones, left, offers a few tips to bandmate Pam Robinson, who plays the bass drum for the Washington Redskins Marching Band. The band was created in 1938, the year after the Redskins moved to Washington.

Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post

Band director Eric M. Summers conducts the Washington Redskins Marching Band during evening practice at FedEx Field in Landover. The band has spanned three stadiums, 24 head coaches and an untold number of performances of 'Hail to the Redskins.'

Jan. 2, 2013

Band director Eric M. Summers conducts the Washington Redskins Marching Band during evening practice at FedEx Field in Landover. The band has spanned three stadiums, 24 head coaches and an untold number of performances of "Hail to the Redskins."

Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post

The Washington Redskins Marching Band practices at FedEx Field. The band marches 120 musicians before every home game.

Jan. 2, 2013

The Washington Redskins Marching Band practices at FedEx Field. The band marches 120 musicians before every home game.

Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post

A member of the Washington Redskins Marching Band thumbs through music books during practice. The band is filled with band directors, band teachers and former military band musicians, along with people who played in school marching bands.

Jan. 2, 2013

A member of the Washington Redskins Marching Band thumbs through music books during practice. The band is filled with band directors, band teachers and former military band musicians, along with people who played in school marching bands.

Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post

Brian Weeks reads his music while playing the large sousaphone during practice. Band members are not paid, though the team provides uniforms, instruments and a locker room. Each band member also receives a pair of free tickets to each game.

Jan. 2, 2013

Brian Weeks reads his music while playing the large sousaphone during practice. Band members are not paid, though the team provides uniforms, instruments and a locker room. Each band member also receives a pair of free tickets to each game.

Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post

Dark Clark shares his cymbals with his bandmates during practice with the percussion section. The Washington Redskins Marching Band was created by franchise founder George Preston Marshall, who wanted to ramp up the game-day experience.

Jan. 2, 2013

Dark Clark shares his cymbals with his bandmates during practice with the percussion section. The Washington Redskins Marching Band was created by franchise founder George Preston Marshall, who wanted to ramp up the game-day experience.

Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post

Members of the Washington Redskins Marching Band examine themselves in a group portrait. Since Washington's hot streak began in November, the band's Facebook page has been filling up with posts from musicians who want to know how they can join.

Jan. 2, 2013

Members of the Washington Redskins Marching Band examine themselves in a group portrait. Since Washington's hot streak began in November, the band's Facebook page has been filling up with posts from musicians who want to know how they can join.

Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post

H. Wade Johnson plays first trumpet during practice. Besides the Redskins Marching Band, the only other one in the NFL is Baltimore's Marching Ravens.

Jan. 2, 2013

H. Wade Johnson plays first trumpet during practice. Besides the Redskins Marching Band, the only other one in the NFL is Baltimore's Marching Ravens.

Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post

The Washington Redskins Marching Band practices at FedEx Field in Landover. The youngest member is 21; the oldest is 83.

Jan. 2, 2013

The Washington Redskins Marching Band practices at FedEx Field in Landover. The youngest member is 21; the oldest is 83.

Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post

Maxey Jones plays his trumpet decorated with Washington Redskins stickers during band practice at FedEx Field in Landover. He has been playing with the team's marching band for 32 years.

Jan. 2, 2013

Maxey Jones plays his trumpet decorated with Washington Redskins stickers during band practice at FedEx Field in Landover. He has been playing with the team's marching band for 32 years.

Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post

The Washington Redskins Marching Band performs outside FedEx Field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys. The game was a return to the band's tradition of playing 'Hail to the Redskins' after each time the team converted a point-after-touchdown kick.

Dec. 30, 2012

The Washington Redskins Marching Band performs outside FedEx Field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys. The game was a return to the band's tradition of playing "Hail to the Redskins" after each time the team converted a point-after-touchdown kick.

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

The Washington Redskins Marching Band performs outside of the stadium before the Redskins-Cowboys game. 'Hail to the Redskins' was composed by the band's first leader, Barnee Breeskin. Franchise founder George Preston Marshall's wife, silent movie actress Corinne Griffith, wrote the lyrics.

Dec. 30, 2012

The Washington Redskins Marching Band performs outside of the stadium before the Redskins-Cowboys game. "Hail to the Redskins" was composed by the band's first leader, Barnee Breeskin. Franchise founder George Preston Marshall's wife, silent movie actress Corinne Griffith, wrote the lyrics.

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

The Washington Redskins Marching Band performs outside of the stadium during the Washington-Dallas game. The Redskins won 28-18 to advance to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. They'll play again this Sunday when the Redskins face the Seattle Seahawks.

Dec. 30, 2012

The Washington Redskins Marching Band performs outside of the stadium during the Washington-Dallas game. The Redskins won 28-18 to advance to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. They'll play again this Sunday when the Redskins face the Seattle Seahawks.

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

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