KEIGWIN BAND: READING COMPREHENSION
The History of the “Hail To The Chief”
The stage is now set for the 57th United States Presidential Election, to be held on November 6
this year. The two main candidates in the election will be our current President Barack Obama
for the Democratic Party, and Governor Mitt Romney for the Republican Party.
If there is one song that is closely associated to the President of the United States, it is "Hail to
the Chief." This song is usually played as the President arrives at a formal gathering or during
presidential events.
"Hail to the Chief," with its opening fanfare known as "Ruffles and Flourishes," is traditionally
played to announce the arrival of the President at State functions
Here's some interesting background information on how the song “Hail to the Chief” became
known as the “Presidential March”:
The title of this song came from a poem, "The Lady of the Lake," written by Sir Walter Scott and
published on May 8, 1810. The poem has six Cantos (part/section): The Chase, The Island, The
Gathering, The Prophecy, The Combat and The Guard Room.
The words "Hail to the Chief" is found on Stanza XIX of the Second Canto (part/section).
(XIX are Roman Numerals for 19)
Here is an excerpt (short part) of the "Boat Song" by Sir Walter Scott
(Second Canto, Stanza XIX):
Hail to the Chief who in triumph advances!
Honored and blessed be the ever-green Pine!
Long may the tree, in his banner that glances,
Flourish the shelter and grace of our line!
The poem was so well-received that it was written into a play by James Sanderson. In the play,
which was staged in London and then in New York on May 8, 1812, Sanderson used the melody
of an old Scottish tune for the "Boat Song."
The song became so popular that many different versions were soon written.
Here is one version with the words of "Hail to the Chief" by Albert Gamse:
Hail to the Chief we have chosen for the nation,
Hail to the Chief! We salute him, one and all.
Hail to the Chief, as we pledge co-operation
In proud fulfillment of a great, noble call.
Yours is the aim to make this grand country grander,
This you will do, that's our strong, firm belief.
Hail to the one we selected as commander,
Hail to the President! Hail to the Chief!
The first time "Hail to the Chief" was played to honor a U.S. President was in 1815 during the
celebration of George Washington's birthday. On July 4, 1828, the song was performed by the
United States Marine Band for President John Quincy Adams (served from 1825 to 1829) during
the opening of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
The song is believed to have been played at the White House during the leadership of President
Andrew Jackson (served from 1829 to 1837) and President Martin Van Buren (served from 1837
to 1841). It is also believed that Julia Gardiner, first lady and wife of President John Tyler
(served from 1841-1845), requested the Marine Band to play "Hail to the Chief" during President
Tyler's inauguration. President John Tyler is believed to be the first to use "Hail to the Chief" as
the official Presidential honors.
"Hail to the Chief" had been played in the White House under Presidents Jackson and Van
Buren, but it did not become the official Presidential honors song until First Lady Julia Tyler
instructed the Marine Band to play it whenever the President made an official appearance.
Another first lady, Sarah Polk, wife of President James K. Polk (served from 1845 to 1849),
asked the band to play the same song to announce her husband's arrival at formal gatherings.
A short intro called "Ruffles & Flourishes" was added during William McKinley's presidency
(served from 1897 to 1901). This short piece is played by a combination of drums (ruffles) and
bugles (flourishes) and is played four times for the president before "Hail to the Chief" is
performed.
In 1954, the Department of Defense made this song the official tune to announce the arrival of a
U.S. President during official events and ceremonies.
Indeed, "Hail to the Chief" is deeply etched in history and has been played for many U.S.
Presidents; from Abraham Lincoln's inauguration on March 4, 1861, to Barack Obama's
inaugural oath in 2009.
NAME__________________________________________________
CLASS/DAY____________________________________________
DATE: _________________________________________________
The History of the “Hail To The Chief”- Questions:
1. Name the two main Presidential Candidates and their political parties?
______________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the opening fanfare played four times called that was added to the beginning of
“Hail to the Chief”?
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Which combination of instruments first made the opening fanfare?
____________________________ and __________________________
4. What is the name of the poem that “Hail to the Chief” came from?
______________________________________________________________________________
5. Who was the first Military Band to play the song for a president?
______________________________________________________________________________
6. What year did “Hail to the Chief” officially become the tune played to announce the
arrival of a U.S. President?
______________________________________________________________________________
7. Which Government Department made the song the official song to announce the
President?
______________________________________________________________________________
Multiple choice: answer the question with the correct letter
8. Where did the title of song first come from? ___________
A. a Book
B. a Poem
C. a Movie
9. Which president was honored the first time the song was played to honor a U.S,
president? ___________
A. Barack Obama
B. Abraham Lincoln
C. George Washington
10. The song “Hail to the Chief” is also called: ____________
A. My Country “Tis of Thee
B. The Presidential March
C. National Anthem