John Phillip Sousa
Born to a Marine Trombonist, Sousa grew up surrounded by the exciting sounds of the marine band. Sousa is often called “The March King” since he truly mastered the art. Sousa was a great composer and conductor. He conducted the marine band for 12 years before resigning and forming his own band. He advocated greatly for composers’ rights and music education in our country. Sousa also received a number of honorary degrees. He invented the concept of the Sousaphone, a wrap around tuba that would be easier to hold but maintain a nice sound, and asked instrument maker J.W. Pepper to create it.
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