John Philip Sousa was an American composer of the late Romantic era. He is most known today for his role in the American military and for his patriotic marches. Being an American composer greatly influenced his musical style, I think, as his music is very nationalistic. John Philip Sousa was born in Washington D.C. on November 6th, 1854. His father, John Antonio Sousa, was Portuguese and his mother, Maria Elisabeth Trinkaus, was German. Sousa was the third of ten children.
John Sousa began his music career at the young age of six, studying under the hands of John Esputa and George Felix Benkert. He studied piano, voice, flute, cornet, baritone horn, trombone, and alto horn, but his first “love” instrument was the violin.
At age 13, he attempted …show more content…
He was 62 years old at the time, which was then the mandatory retirement age for Navy Officers. However, Sousa led the Navy Band at the Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago, Illinois. Because Sousa was already independently wealthy, he donated most of his naval salary to the Sailors’ and Marines’ Relief Fund. John Sousa was discharged from active duty in November 1918, after the war was ended. For his service, he was awarded the World War I Victory Medal, and was also elected as a Veteran Companion of the Military Order of Foreign Wars. He returned to conducting The Sousa Band, but continued to wear his Navy uniform for most of his concerts. In the early 1920s, he was promoted to lieutenant commander of the Naval Reserve, but Sousa did not return to active duty.
Of course, even after death, John Philip Sousa and his fame is still remembered. The John Philip Sousa Foundation hosts a high school and collegiate award program for marching band. The award recognizes one student of any high school band that shows superiority through their musicianship, dependability, loyalty, and cooperation. The award is only given to a high school one time, once a year. The foundation is dedicated to the promotion of band music and provides many awards, scholarships, and projects, including The Historic Roll of Honor, and The Hawkins
John Sousa began his music career at the young age of six, studying under the hands of John Esputa and George Felix Benkert. He studied piano, voice, flute, cornet, baritone horn, trombone, and alto horn, but his first “love” instrument was the violin.
At age 13, he attempted …show more content…
He was 62 years old at the time, which was then the mandatory retirement age for Navy Officers. However, Sousa led the Navy Band at the Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago, Illinois. Because Sousa was already independently wealthy, he donated most of his naval salary to the Sailors’ and Marines’ Relief Fund. John Sousa was discharged from active duty in November 1918, after the war was ended. For his service, he was awarded the World War I Victory Medal, and was also elected as a Veteran Companion of the Military Order of Foreign Wars. He returned to conducting The Sousa Band, but continued to wear his Navy uniform for most of his concerts. In the early 1920s, he was promoted to lieutenant commander of the Naval Reserve, but Sousa did not return to active duty.
Of course, even after death, John Philip Sousa and his fame is still remembered. The John Philip Sousa Foundation hosts a high school and collegiate award program for marching band. The award recognizes one student of any high school band that shows superiority through their musicianship, dependability, loyalty, and cooperation. The award is only given to a high school one time, once a year. The foundation is dedicated to the promotion of band music and provides many awards, scholarships, and projects, including The Historic Roll of Honor, and The Hawkins