From 1876-1932 he wrote the most delightful and stirring music. His band, from 1892-1931, is considered the world standard of concert bands, non pareil. In 1976 I had the pleasure of shaking hands with a gentleman who had met Mr. Sousa. Treat of a lifetime!
2007-12-06 17:44:59 · 18 answers · asked by Thomas E 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
I played tuba in highschool and in an Army band and have loved Sousa since I was a pre-schooler in the 50's. You all get Best Answer!
2007-12-07 11:54:11 · update #1
Oh, yes, I love hearing John Philip Sousa marches performed! Like many other's who have answered, "Stars and Stripes Forever" is my favorite. (It's the official march of the USA.) I think Sousa was an amazing composer, and I'm glad his pieces are still performed.
My dad is the one who started me along the path of appreciating Sousa. He'd take me to see parades and concerts from the time I was a toddler and would name the songs. His dad was a WWI vet and played in the local Drum and Bugle corp. My dad also played in the Drum and Bugle Corp before he joined the Air Force when he was 20.
My father-in-law and husband both played trumpet in their High School marching bands. Our youngest daughter played flute in her high school band. Our oldest daughter played trumpet in Middle School, didn't join her high school marching band; but kept playing trumpet. She was chosen to play in her Flight's band during basic training in the Air Force.....and they played a Sousa March during the ceremonies at the end of BMT. What a special moment that was for our family!
Sousa did compose "Semper Fidelis", Official March of the US Marine Corps. He was in the Marine Corps Band for several years.
I also like "Globe and Eagle", "Harmonica Wizard", "Triumph of Time".
2007-12-07 00:04:29 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Indeed yes...Sousa basically created the greatness in and around the USMC band and to this day, they are called the "President's Band". Sousa went on tour after finishing the USMC portion of his musical career and put on some outstanding shows...an old playbill from one of these appearances has just about everything--drill teams, visiting foreign military musicians, patriotic soloists, trios and quartets, some instrumental stuff...and of course, the big ensemble playing Sousa's grand/great marches.
With a heartfelt 'semper fi' in memory of a great American, with an added note that greatness is after all immortal.
2007-12-07 00:37:14 · answer #2 · answered by constantreader 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I love John Phillips Sousa's march music. I saw a movie called "Stars and Stripes Forever," a story about Sousa.
What was particularly interesting was that this docudrama said he wanted desperately to create classical theater music, but everything came with a marching rhythm.
It probably would appear that we know and love his music better than he did.
2007-12-06 17:52:35 · answer #3 · answered by felines 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
There is no patriotic American who isn't inspired by Stars and Stripes Forever. I've always been a Sousa fan, used a tape for power walking. There was a selection, can't remember the name of it, that was "circus music"...mind pictures of prancing ponies and terriers in tutus. He was an amazing composer.
2007-12-10 02:16:12 · answer #4 · answered by lpaganus 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My dad would put a record of Sousa marches on in the mornings to get us UP, DRESSED, and TO THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! A long-playing alarm clock!
Of course, the Liberty Bell March can only make me think of Monty Python.
2007-12-07 04:56:06 · answer #5 · answered by Snow Globe 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I DO enjoy the Sousa marches! It was one of the first records we had at our house that I can remember. Learning Sousa is definitely something I can thank my dad for!
2007-12-06 17:53:34 · answer #6 · answered by Grace 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
When I was about eight years old (1961), my favorite music was marching band, especially one called "Ruffles & Flourishes." I'd play it on the hi-fi all the time.
My other favorites were classical and ballet. The Beatles didn't hit until I was 12.
2007-12-07 02:19:52 · answer #7 · answered by Bad Kitty! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am another one who loves his music. The movie about him starred Alexander Knox and was one of my favorites. Two of my sons were in a drum and bugle corps and the first time I heard the music that these young people played I got tears in my eyes. Patriotic music does that to people.
2007-12-07 00:12:52 · answer #8 · answered by mydearsie 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
we are in a international of difficulty if all you desire is "composer" on your resume to run for president. the rustic could be going on the lavatory, yet a minimum of there'd be reliable tunes popping out of the White domicile.
2016-10-02 07:11:59 · answer #9 · answered by mikulski 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure do, the Stars and Stripes Forever gives me goose bumps everytime I hear it.
2007-12-06 18:05:03 · answer #10 · answered by flamingo 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋