Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Sousa was born on November 6, 1854. What city was he born in?
2. As with many 13 year old boys during that time, Sousa had ambitions to run away and join a circus -- only in his case, to join a circus band. What did his father do to prevent this?
3. One night during his tenure as leader of the USMC Band he heard some of his comrades singing the famous "Marines Hymn". This brought him to tears and inspired him to compose which famous march?
4. On July 30, 1892, Sousa resigned from the Marine Corps for what reason?
5. In 1896, while on a tour in Europe with his band, Sousa received a cablegram that his manager had passed away. He returned to the United States immediately. According to Sousa, as he walked the decks of the steamer a mental band played stirring strains in his head over and over. After arriving in the U.S.A. he penned these melodies to paper the first chance he had, and that was on Christmas Day of that year. What did he title this march?
6. Sousa was not just known for his marches. He wrote in all forms--waltzes, suites, songs, etc. He wrote a number of operettas which met with some success. Which of these did he write?
7. As the United States entered World War I, what action did Sousa take?
8. Since Sousa's band was quite successful he was able to engage many of the top soloists and performers of the day. Which performer was virtuoso on cornet and wrote many solos that are still performed to this day.
9. Sousa was an author as well, writing many books, stories and magazine articles. In 1928 he wrote his autobiography. What was the title?
10. In the early morning hours on March 6, 1932, Sousa passed away from a heart attack in Reading, PA. Earlier in the evening he led a rehearsal as guest conductor for the Ringgold Band. What was the last number played under his baton?
Source: Author
marchlover
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