The Stars and Stripes Forever by John Phillip Sousa

Scott Hastings

5/2/2016

Hist 112

Extra Credit Live Music Response

        For my live muse response, I chose “The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Phillip Sousa. This performance was done by the “Presidents Own” United States Marine Corp Band. This song was designated as the official United States March.

        It took nearly 100 years for this song to be adopted as a United States march. John Phillips Sousa lead the Unites States Marine band from 1880 to 1892. During this era, he earned the nickname “March King”. This march became his most famous though he wrote 136 others. The march was composed in 1896 after an extended trip to Europe. Sousa was inspired by homesickness, reflection of his Marine Band days and the United States Flag flying over the White House. This version of the march was recorded on March 3, 2009 at the John Philip Sousa Band Hall at Marine Barracks Annex in Washington, D.C. This video was recorded for the National Museum of the Marine Corps gallery titled "A Global Expeditionary Force 1866-1916," where visitors will find an interactive Marine Band exhibit. Few people could name this song but every American should realize it.

        This piece is rather fast passed at about 120 beats per minute. The piece is upbeat and fast. Fast and loud was essentially developed as a band style by Sousa. This form was used in the majority of Sousa’s works. Marches are generally very difficult for conductors and musicians to perform perfectly.  Marches are meant to be performed by all types of musicians from high school to advanced. The major instruments used are Trumpets, Trombone, Symbols, Piccolos, Clarinets, French Horn, Tuba and Drums. I found this piece interesting because it consisted of 50 musicians. Each musician represented a state. The piece opens with a brief introduction about John Phillip Sousa and the United States Marine Band. The band performs the piece flawlessly and does an amazing job.