Jan Benson Piano Studio

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John Philip Sousa was born on November 6, 1854, in Washington, D.C., near the Marine Barracks where his father, Antonio Sousa, was a musician in the Marine Band. At the age of thirteen, his father enlisted him as an apprentice in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, where he remained until age twenty. On October 1, 1880, Sousa accepted an offer to lead the Marine Band, becoming the band’s 17th Director. Although Sousa had no prior experience conducting a military band, he quickly proved himself as a skilled leader and the band’s reputation spread widely. Under Sousa’s leadership, Marine Band concert tours began in 1891 when President Benjamin Harrison gave official sanction. The Marine Band tours have since become an annual tradition, except during times of war.

In his twelve years of leadership, Sousa served under five presidents, from Rutherford Hayes to Benjamin Harrison. Perhaps his most significant contributions to American culture were the composition of “Semper Fidelis” in 1888 and “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” which was designated as the national march of the United States on December 11, 1987.

On July 30, 1892, Sousa conducted his last concert as Director of the Marine Band, leaving to organize his own civilian concert band. At his farewell concert on the White House lawn, Sousa was presented with an engraved baton by members of the Marine Band as a token of their respect and admiration. The baton was later returned to the Marine Band by Sousa’s daughters and is now passed to the new Director during change of command ceremonies. Sousa is remembered for bringing the Marine Band to an unprecedented level of excellence.

Today, the White House calls upon the Marine Band to perform at welcoming ceremonies, State Arrivals, holiday events, and many other official functions.

Image: Library of Congress

This 19-foot piano has the longest bass strings in the world – and it sounds huge A beast of a piano, twice the length of a concert hall Steinway – and just listen to its incredible, deep sound.