John Philip Sousa:

John Philip Sousa was the Director of the United States Marine Band for twelve years from 1880 till 1892. This was the band which was identified as the Presidents Band by the second President of the United States and played an important part in the musical life of Washington DC. He had served his apprenticeship as a bandsman alongside his father in this band, leaving to study music and composition before returning to lead it. The band played at White House events such as inaugurations, balls and other musical entertainments. From 1893 Sousa formed and led a civilian band which traveled the world giving concerts and other performances until 1931. His marching music responds well to my percussion based treatment but there is also one dance included in this set of recordings the Presidential Polonaise . This was composed as a replacement to Hail to the Chief for indoors Presidential entrances but after a brief period on use was dropped. Semper Fidelis was composed at the same time for outdoor Presidential entrances but here too Hail to the Chief won out.

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Copyright: we retain the copy right on our arrangements for public performance or any other commercial application but grant you the right to download it free of charge for your own personal use. Donation: If you enjoy the music I would be grateful if you would make a donation to the charitable Trust Fund run by Croydon Whitgift Rotary Club.

New Recordings

Manhattan Beach March Sabre and Spurs March Tenth Regiment March aka Death and Glory Thunder and Lightening March