John Philip Sousa The Life and Acheivements of The American March King Annalice Rich Salt Lake Community College Music 1010

John Philip Sousa Musical beginnings John Philip Sousa born November 6th Music an important part of his Childhood. Parents : John Antonio Sousa & Marie Elizabeth Trinkaus. lcweb2.loc.gov

Sousa the gifted child At the age of 11- Performing with adults Lead his first small band of adults Studied with George Felix Benkert Performed with Washington Orchestral Union as first violin.

Sousa Journey to Adulthood At ages enlisted and played in U.S. Marine Band. Became involved in Ford’s Theatre and The Vaundervill At the age of 18 published ‘Moonlight on the Potomac.’ jhir.library.jhu.edu

Sousa’s history with Broadway and his wife Spends time assisting with music for operetta Katherine. Assists with Broadway show Pinafore. Meets Jane Van Middlesworth Bellis. Jane and John married on December 30, archives.library.illinois.edu

John Philip Sousa Director of US Marine Band One month after marriage, becomes director of US Marine Band. Played for President Cleveland’s wedding. Wrote ‘The Gladiator’ and ‘Semper Fidelis.’ Began recording and selling military band pieces. Lwww.soundsofsousa.com

Sousa’s love of theatre During military duty composed 15 operettas. His music was successful, but he lacked the ability to write lyrics.

Sousa’s Passing and Commemorations At the age of 77,John Philip Sousa passes away March 6th, Commemoration’s of his life include: Hollywood Star, Hall of Fame for Great Americans, John Philip Sousa Award. projects.latimes.com

Composition History, ‘Stars and Stripes Forever. ’ 1896 Sousa’s friend passes away while Sousa was on vacation. The march ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’ was born as a result this march became official march of the USA. library.duk e.edu

Listening guide ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’ 0:00 Introduction: Begins leading into the first verse. 0:09 First verse:. The piece seems to be very staccato, with only a few slurs. 0:17 Within the first verse: there seems to be a sort of call and response 0:24 First verse is repeated 0:39 Second verse begins

Listening guide ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’ (continued) 1:11 Chorus: carried by the woodwinds with somewhat of a narrow range. The chorus is then repeated again. 1:41 Bridge: The brass section come in strong with forte 2:05 Chorus: Woodwinds performing the chorus with the piccolo as the fugue 2:35-3:36 Coda that includes the “Bridge” section as well as the second chorus section found at 2:05.

Composition History of ‘The Libery Bell’ 1893 march written to commemorate Liberty Bell. Inspired by exposition and separate parade Sousa’s son participated in. Commonly performed at inaugurations. Gained popularity from TV’s Monty Python’s Flying Circus. lifeinthe05.com oks.com

Listening guide ‘The Liberty Bell’ to 0:00 Intro: Duple meter that leads into the first verse. 0:04 First Verse: The main theme is carried by the woodwinds specifically the flutes and piccolo. Brass section keep a tempo with quarter notes 0:35 Second Verse: This verse is somewhat similar to the intro. The theme is carried by both woodwinds and brass.

Listening guide ‘The Liberty Bell’ (continued) 1:08 Chorus: The percussion carries the beat with a gallop-like beat that includes the offbeat. 1:40 Bridge: The brass section comes in with a strong fortissimo with the beat that builds the theme that has been become a varied beat. 2:00 Intro to coda: Ensemble crescendos ascending half notes that lead into the coda. 2:03 Coda: The theme is returned to the Chorus 3:33 Ends

Composition History, ‘The Washington Post. ’ 1889 March was written. Claim that march was written for the news paper ‘Washington post.’ Others claim it was dedicated to the nation’s capital. One of the most recognized Sousa pieces. library.duk e.edu

Listening guide ‘The Washington Post’ egQupMU 0:00 Intro: The ensemble charges in with notes changing between only about three-four different notes. 0:08 First Verse: The notes ascend on the scale. With changing dynamics. 0:39 Second Verse: The second theme of the march begins The beat patterns are followed throughout the verse. And then repeated.

Listening guide ‘The Washington Post’ (continued) 1:10 Chorus: The woodwind section carry the main theme. 1:46 Build to Coda: An increasing scale that crescendos, builds up the Coda. 1:50 Coda: The march then codas back to the Chorus found at 1:10, that then crescendo to a fortissimo until the end of the march 2:33 End

Composition History of ‘Semper Fidelis’ Semper Fidelis is Latin for ‘Always Faithful’ Written in 1888 recognized as march of US Marine Corps. Originally for President Chester Arthur as a march for the president. s911.photobucke t.com

Listening guide ‘Semper Fidelis’ -otqMLE -otqMLE 0:00 Intro: The ensemble plays with the woodwinds as the dominant sound. The percussion keeping the marching rhythm. 0:11 First verse: Brass section playing scale like fashion while the woodwinds section carry a similar tune. 0:43 Chorus: The woodwinds once again carry the main theme, all the while the percussion follow a constant march.

Listening guide ‘Semper Fidelis’ (continued) 1:14 Snare Drum Solo: consists of Military style rolls. 1:22 Second Verse: The brass take control over the verse, with some running triplet scales. 2:10 Chorus Reprise: A theme similar to the chorus begins. 2:41 Coda: Coda back to the very 3:23 End

Bibliography Library of Congress Website: Naxos Website: DWS Biography: Padbook Website: Skyways Library: Washington Post Website: US Marines Website: US Marines Website: