Quick Facts
Biography
William Henry Santelmann (September 23, 1863 – December 17, 1932) was director of the United States Marine Band.
Biography
He was born on September 23, 1863 in Offensen, Germany. He studied violin and clarinet and at age 15, in 1878 composed his first music. He married Clara Becke (1861–1932) around 1889. One of his sons was William Frederick Santelmann (1902–1984) who would eventually be a director of the United States Marine Band.
William was director of the United States Marine Band starting in 1892 when he replaced Francesco Fanciulli.
He retired on May 1, 1927 and was replaced by Taylor Branson. He was then commissioned a captain in the United States Marine Corps. He died on December 17, 1932 in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.