Sousa at his best

Next year is the 75th anniversary of John Philip Sousa’s passing, and May 19, 2007 is the 200th anniversary of the Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., where Sousa is buried.

The cemetery board is requesting bands from throughout the country be invited to perform for the 200th anniversary event on May 19th. John Philip Sousa Pugh, a nephew, and Toni Sousa, a niece, are expected to attend, as well as many other luminaries and relatives of the interred.

Attendees may lay an official wreath at Sousa’s grave, conduct a performance at his grave, see Sousa’s house, his church, his new statue at the Marine Barracks Annex, and see a U.S. Marine Band Drum & Bugle Corps rehearsal and performance.

Bands may also link in a trip to Williamsburg/Yorktown/Jamestown and perform as part of the America’s 400th Anniversary commemoration.

These are three huge anniversaries in one year, and a personal invitation from the cemetery like there’ll never be again!

For information on your wind band to perform for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, please contact us right away - space is limited!