Keffer Collection of Sheet Music, ca. 1790-1895 Content and design by John Bewley

Philip Phile was a violinist and composer active in Philadelphia beginning around 1784. He performed with the Old American Company orchestra as violinist and as leader of the ensemble. On April 12, 1787 a violin concerto by Phile was performed in Philadelphia but the score to this work is no longer extant. Phile is best known for being the composer of The President's March, presumably written for the inauguration of George Washington, although not published until 1793. The tune of the march was later used for a setting of patriotic verses written by Joseph Hopkinson, son of Francis Hopkinson. The resulting song, Hail Columbia, was first performed by Gilbert Fox at the Chestnut Street Theatre on April 25, 1798. Hail Columbia, along with The Star-Spangled Banner, served as the national anthem until Congress passed a bill in 1931 that declared The Star-Spangled Banner the official national anthem.