John Philip Sousa
Born: November 6, 1854 Died: March 6, 1932
Fast Facts
• John Philip Sousa served as leader of The Presidents Own Marine Band from1880 – 1892 • During his time composed 136 different marches for different occasions. • This earned him the nickname “The March King” • The “Sousaphone” was invented by James Welch Pepper in 1893 at Mr. Sousa’s request for parades. • The Sousaphone is still used today by bands all over the world. • John Philip Sousa became leader of the band on October 1, 1880 at just 25 years old. • The is an award called “The John Philip Sousa Award” that is given out to one student in every high school band in the United States each year for their dedication to the band and leadership. |
Famous Works |
Country of Origin
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• Toccata and Fugue in D minor – BWV 565
• The Brandenburg Concertos No. 1 – BWV 1046 • Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major – BWV 1007 • The Well-Tempered Clavier Book One: Prelude in C Major – BWV 846 • Air on the G String from Suite No. 3 –BWV 1068 • Mass in B minor – BWV 232 • Mass in G minor – BWV 235 Check out these links below to learn more about
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The United States of America Library of Congress
Website of the U.S. Library of Congress. The Presidents Own
United States Marine Band Official website of the United States Marines. |
Original Manuscript
YouTube
Check out the Sousa playlist on our class YouTube page!!
The Presidents Own Marine Band
Pictured above: The President's Own" Marine Band with Director
John Philip Sousa. Below: a video (no sound) of John Philip Sousa conducting the premier of his new work "The Royal Welch Fusiliers" at The White House on May 12, 1930 |
The Presidents Own under John Philip SousaThe "President's Own" Marine Band was created on
July 11, 1798 when President John Adams signed an Act of Congress founding the United States Marine Band under the direction of William Farr (who served as leader from 1799-1804). Mr. Sousa became the band's 17th leader at age 25 and the band was quickly establishing itself as one of the premier military bands in the world. Mr. Sousa would often replace music in the band's library with transcriptions he prepared himself to fit the needs of the ensemble which expanded their repertoire |