DAR essay: Sousa's new march surpasses challenges surrounding composition

By Kelsey Summers

John Philip is a remarkable man who has made one of the most incredible songs. On May 14, 1897, the world got to witness the true talents of John Philip.

As the public got to hear “The Stars and Stripes Forever” for the first time. On this day, the world was stunned by the song that had just debuted. I can foresee that this song will continue to grow and amaze people in the future.

During John Philip’s life growing up he was involved in music thanks to his father. “John Philip Sousa was one of ten children born to a German mother and a Spanish father on November the 6th 1854 (Bugler,2020).”

His father decided to enroll his young son in a music school. John Philip made fine progress particularly on the violin in fact when he was only 11, he organized a group of unemployed musicians all older than himself to play at dance halls and dancing schools (Bugler,2020).

John Philip received an offer from the band leader of a circus. This was a pretty hard thing for a boy to turn down and he made plans to run away. John Philip’s father however got wind of the offer very early the next morning and he paid a visit to the Marine barracks just two blocks away and he had a talk with the commandant and John Philip was accepted by the Marine Band as an apprentice (Bugler,2020).

What John Philip’s father did for him should be recognized because if he had not gotten John Philip this opportunity, he could be working in the circus today. John Philip’s childhood much affected his life and the direction he went.

John Philip’s song has an incredible history and story about when he wrote the song. “According to Sousa, when he composed this march in his head in late 1896, shortly after hearing about the death of his manager and friend David Blakely (Morgan, n.d).” This must have been difficult for John Philip to take in due to the relationship shared with his friend.

Even more profitable however is John Philip’s various arrangements for performances. These include versions for piano, zither, one or two mandolins, guitar, and banjo with piano (Morgan, n.d).

“The Stars and Stripes Forever” is well recognized to be one of John Philip’s marches because of how spectacular it is (Morgan, n.d).

John Philip’s song was written at an extremely challenging time though now that it is seen and heard it is all worth it.

This song is very beautifully written and has a wonderful melody, the audience from the performance seems to agree as well. This song is written precisely with lots of emotion seen from the author. This emotion is reasonable when John Philip’s circumstances are considered.

It is Sousa’s practice to have the cornets, trumpets, trombones, and piccolos line up at the front of the stage for the final trio, and this adds to the excitement (Marines, n.d).

There was a very energetic atmosphere when it was performed, and the audience rose as if it was the national anthem (Marines, n.d). This shows how much it was appreciated by the public.

When this song was performed it was immediately loved by many. John Philip is a fascinating person who brings a lot to the table as a musician and an everyday person.

Today the world was amazed by the debut of “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” This song has an incredible author and background that should be reckoned with. John Philip is an interesting person with a remarkable musical background. Many people should take the time to listen to John Philip’s song as it will warm their heart just as it did the audience.

In all John Philip has made a wonderful song that will have an amazing outcome and will be well known in the future.