Antony August Sousa (1868-1918) – He went by the nickname “Tony” and was known as an athlete, composer, author, poet and newspaperman among his other talents. At the time of his death, he had been a government employee for 33 years. His athletic talents and interests included baseball and cricket and while in Washington wasContinue reading “Brothers of John Philip Sousa”
Category Archives: bands
Polka (Brass) Bands in Texas
This is a nice article about Texas’ Round Top Brass Band that includes some history of the genre in America. https://www.texaspolkanews.com/news/prost-round-top-brass-band-keeps-german-texas-beat
Sousa Band Audience Requests
The Clarksburg Telegram of Clarksburg, West Virginia in its issue of February 11, 1898 carried an article regarding requests that had been handed in at concerts of the Sousa Band. On one occasion, a note described as dainty read, “A society lady requests that you play the overture to “Tannahauser” [referring to “Tannhauser” by RichardContinue reading “Sousa Band Audience Requests”
A Brief History of African American Marching Bands
An overview of marching bands made up of African Americans from the 18th to the 20th century: As early as 1738, free mulatos, blacks, and Native Americans residing in Virginia were required to serve in the military. They were not however permitted to carry firearms. From these early days, the musical traditions of African AmericanContinue reading “A Brief History of African American Marching Bands”
Music of the Civil War
The Kennedy Center explores the topic of band music during the Civil War. (Image credit: http://www.kennedy-center.org) See the full article below: https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/music/music-of-the-civil-war/
The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band
The origin of this band dates back to the 1880s when President Lawrence Sullivan “Sul” Ross invited a Czechoslovakian immigrant named Joseph Holick to make boots for the cadets on the college campus in central Texas. The story continues that Holick, a cobbler by trade, also played the clarinet and had some capability as aContinue reading “The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band”
Texas Longhorn Band
The famous Texas Longhorn Band was founded at the University of Texas in 1900 by a chemistry professor, Dr. Eugene Schoch. With the aid of another professor, Dr. H. E. Baxter, they purchased about $150 of instruments from a local pawn shop. The first band was made up of eighteen students. Dr. Baxter was theContinue reading “Texas Longhorn Band”
How a Band Helped Win WWII in the Pacific
A Navy band was displaced by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Once they were bandsmen, they became cryptoanalysts, operating out of “Pearl.” They used their unique talents to break the Japanese code. https://auburnpub.com/news/local/roger-hare-admiral-nimitzs-secret-weapon-pearl-harbor-musicians/article_9680603c-e84d-5647-b00e-3d64bb1a91e6.html
United States Marine Band
The United States Marine Band is believed to be the oldest military band and the oldest performing organization in the country, having been authorized by an act of Congress July 11, 1798. This is the band known as “The President’s Own” because of its unique relationship to the President of the United States. Outgoing PresidentContinue reading “United States Marine Band”
Sousa Comes to Amarillo, 1925
“Boy Soprano Cared More for Cave Than Warbling for Sousa” This was a headline in the Fort Worth Star Telegram, December 24, 1925. The great band leader had come to the Panhandle to do a concert. Thirteen year old “Balie” (actually spelled Bailey) Warren had been invited to sing for the Sousa Band over theContinue reading “Sousa Comes to Amarillo, 1925”