John Philip Sousa
Today (November 6th) is a special day for anyone who ever played in a school band — it’s the 151st birthday of John Philip Sousa, known as “The March King.” He composed some of the nation’s most stirring and enduring marches, including The Stars and Stripes Forever, Semper Fidelis and El Capitan. It’s been said that his talent for composing marches has never been equaled and that his conducting skills remain without parallel. Sousa marches are still played by high school and college bands, local community musical groups and military bands at a wide variety of public and ceremonial occasions across the nation.
In celebration of Sousa’s anniversary, the Marine Barracks Washington and “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will unveiled an eight-foot bronze statue of John Philip Sousa. The statue, sculpted by renowned artist Terry Jones, is the first landmark dedicated to Sousa. It will be revealed during a ceremony at the Marine Barracks Annex and Band Support Facility located at 600 Virginia Avenue in southeast Washington, D.C.
