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thedrifter
12-03-03, 06:56 AM
Issue Date: March 10, 2003

The Lore of the Corps
Sousa made contribution with music, not bullets

By Keith A. Milks
Special to the Times

After Lejeune, Butler, Puller and a handful of others — all combat veterans — no man is more closely identified with the history and traditions of the Marine Corps than John Phillip Sousa, who never fired a shot in anger but enhanced the Corps’ glory through music.
Most famous for his marches and inspiring leadership of the Marine Band, Sousa also was one of the most prolific composers in history, and his work has become an indelible part of America’s musical culture.

Sousa, born Nov. 6, 1854, in Washington, D.C., came by his love of the Corps the same way he came by his love of music — naturally. His father, Antonio, began serving with the Marine Band the same year Sousa was born, and his parents encouraged and nurtured his lifelong devotion to music.

At the age of 6, Sousa began his formal musical education under two renowned musicians of the time, Prof. John Esputa and Gerald Benkert. Introduced to a wide array of musical instruments during his studies in Washington and Philadelphia, Sousa gravitated toward the violin and began writing his own music by the age of 10.

He first donned the Marine uniform at 13, when he became a musical apprentice for the Marine Band. By 15, he was teaching harmony to Marine musicians. Throughout his association with the Corps, Sousa repeatedly left active service to serve with and direct an assortment of civilian bands and operatic companies. He had no fewer than five periods of active service, ranging from three to five years each, with the first beginning in 1868 and the last ending in 1892.

Sousa was appointed the 14th leader of the Marine Band on Oct. 1, 1880, by the Corps’ commandant, Col. Charles G. McCawley. Shortly after taking leadership of the band, Sousa took the “The President’s Own” to heights of musical excellence before unknown.

Over the next 12 years, the band was a regular feature at the White House, Capitol Plaza and throughout the halls of power of the United States. During his career, Sousa played or composed for five presidents.

In 1891, Sousa began a tradition that enhanced the prestige and knowledge of the Marine Band. He led the band on its first two concert tours of the United States in 1891 and 1892, a tradition that continues to this day. Shortly upon his return from the band’s second concert tour, Sousa resigned from the Marine Band.

Sousa’s celebrity and popularity increased during his post-Marine career, and he wrote an popular book, “Marching Along,” that detailed his exploits both as a Marine and civilian musician.

In 1917, Sousa re-entered the military as an officer in the Navy Reserve and was assigned as musical director to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station band. During World War I, he supported Liberty Loan drives by conducting concerts throughout the country. After the war, he left the Navy Reserve and spent the rest of his life conducting and composing music, reaping the rewards of his lifelong devotion to the musical arts.

During his career, Sousa composed no fewer than 100 patriotic marches, 10 operas and a large number of waltzes and overtures.

He may be most famous for such songs as “Semper Fidelis,” “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and “On the Campus March.” “The Royal Welch Fusiliers” was written to honor the Marine Corps’ service with the British during the Boxer Rebellion in China. “The George Washington Bi-Centennial March,” honors George Washington’s 200th birthday.

Sousa died in Pennsylvania on March 6, 1932, at age 78. He was survived by his wife of 53 years, Jan. His body was laid out at the Marine Barracks, where thousands of admirers turned out to pay respects.

From there, Sousa was laid to rest in Washington’s Congressional Cemetery — his casket escorted by a multiservice pallbearer detail, the Marine Band and two Marine companies.

Today, thousands of Washington commuters cross the Potomac River over the Sousa Bridge, dedicated in 1939 as a lasting tribute to the legendary musician and composer.

The writer is a gunnery sergeant stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. He can be reached at kambtp@aol.com.

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/archivepaper.php?f=0-MARINEPAPER-1558532.php


Sempers,

Roger
:marine: