William H. Santelmann

German American band director and composer (b. Sept. 23, 1863 Offensen, then Kingdom of Hanover, Germany – d. December 17, 1932, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA) After playing with the band of the 134th Infantry Regiment in Plauen and studying at the Leipzig Conservatory, Santelmann emigrated to America where he played violin, clarinet, and baritone with the United States Marine Band under the direction of John Philip Sousa from 1887–1895. After leading a number of other orchestras, he served as the 19th Director of the United States Marine Band from March 3, 1898 to May 1, 1927. Starting in 1902, the band began to give regular concerts at the White House, and from 1922, they performed on the radio as well. Father of William F. Santelmann.