Scala, Francis Maria, 1819?-1903

Francis Maria Scala (1819?-1903) was the first musician to be designated leader of the Marine Band. He joined the Fife and Drum Corps of the U.S. Marines in 1842 and was promoted to the position of fife-major the following year. During his tenure as leader from 1855 to 1871, the Marine Band grew to over thirty musicians and became well known through its public outdoor concerts. In 1952, Norman P. Scala presented to the Library of Congress his father's collection of manuscript and printed music, photographs, clippings, programs, and correspondence. Through his bequest, a trust fund has been established at the Library for the study and promotion of Scala's music, and his era.