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John Philip Sousa

John Philip Sousa composer / arranger

date of birth: 06.11.1854
date of death: 06.03.1932

The “March King,” John Philip Sousa, was America’s most successful bandmaster and a universally beloved composer. Born November 6, 1854 in Washington, DC, Sousa studied violin, theory and composition in the DC area. At the age of 13 he was enlisted as an apprentice musician in the U. S. Marine Band, a position he held for some seven years.

After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Sousa remained in Washington for a time, conducting and playing the violin. He toured with several traveling theater orchestras and moved, in 1876, to Philadelphia. While on tour in St. Louis, he received a telegram offering him the leadership of the Marine Band in Washington. He accepted and reported for duty on Oct. 1, 1880, becoming the band’s 17th Leader.

During his twelve years as Director of The Marine Band, Sousa greatly enhanced the reputation of the band through musical excellence, the first tours of the band, and of course with the ever-growing popularity of his military marches. In 1888, he wrote "Semper Fidelis." Dedicated to "the officers and men of the Marine Corps," it is traditionally known as the "official" march of the Marine Corps.

In 1892, Sousa resigned his position with the Marine band to form his own civilian band. Over the next 39 years, this incredible band toured coast to coast annually, made four European tours, and one world tour. Unequalled in success and popularity, the Sousa Band earned a reputation as the finest concert band of its time, and entertained hundreds of thousands through its concert performances.

John Philip Sousa died on March 6, 1932, at Reading, Pa., where he was scheduled to conduct the Ringgold Band. His body was brought to his native Washington to lie in state in the Band Hall at Marine Barracks. Four days later, two companies of Marines and Sailors, the Marine Band, and honorary pall-bearers from the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps headed the funeral cortege from the Marine Barracks to Congressional Cemetery.

Perhaps the most significant tribute to Sousa’s influence on American culture, "The Stars and Stripes Forever" was designated as the national march of the United States on Dec. 11, 1987.

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Looking Upward Suite: 3. Mars and Venus - John Philip Sousa
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Difficulty: 5
Composer: John Philip Sousa
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Article Nr: 96950
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Beneath the southern cross - John Philip Sousa

Beneath the southern cross John Philip Sousa

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Looking Upward Suite: 1. By the light of the polar star - John Philip Sousa
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Composer: John Philip Sousa
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International congress - John Philip Sousa

International congress John Philip Sousa

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Hands across the sea - John Philip Sousa / Arr. Nicholas J. Contorno

Hands across the sea John Philip Sousa / Arr. Nicholas J. Contorno

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White man, The - John Philip Sousa

White man, The John Philip Sousa

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Red man, The - John Philip Sousa

Red man, The John Philip Sousa

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The Black man - John Philip Sousa

The Black man John Philip Sousa

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The Crusader march - John Philip Sousa / Arr. Carl Simpson

The Crusader march John Philip Sousa / Arr. Carl Simpson

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Composer: John Philip Sousa
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Coquette  (characteristic dance) - John Philip Sousa
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Colonial dames waltzes - John Philip Sousa

Colonial dames waltzes John Philip Sousa

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Charlatan waltzes - John Philip Sousa

Charlatan waltzes John Philip Sousa

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El Capitain waltzes - John Philip Sousa

El Capitain waltzes John Philip Sousa

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Bride elect selections - John Philip Sousa

Bride elect selections John Philip Sousa

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Yorktown's centennial  march - John Philip Sousa / Arr. James Jurrens

Yorktown's centennial march John Philip Sousa / Arr. James Jurrens

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Composer: John Philip Sousa
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The Washington Post - John Philip Sousa / Arr. Joop de Winter

The Washington Post John Philip Sousa / Arr. Joop de Winter

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Composer: John Philip Sousa
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