We’re kicking off the new year with the start of our composer series! And our first feature—John Phillip Sousa! Snack on these bite-size facts and pay attention—there just may be an end of the week quiz with an opportunity to win a prize!
John Phillip Sousa
“The American March King”
11/06/1854 - 03/06/1932
John Philip Sousa was an American composer and conductor of the late Romantic era. He was known primarily for military marches.
Sousa began his music education by playing the violin, piano, flute, several brass instruments, and singing. Violin was Sousa’s primary instrument.
Sousa’s father enlisted 13-year-old John in the United States Marine Corps as an apprentice.
After learning to conduct, Sousa returned to the Marine Band at the age of 26, but as its head. He remained the conductor until 1892.
Sousa wanted a tuba that could sound upward and over the band—and so the sousaphone was created.
Sousa wrote over 130 marches.
Our Favorites:
The Washington Post
The Gallant Seventh
Stars and Stripes Forever
The Belle of Chicago
Semper Fidelis