Sempre Fidelis by John Phillip Sousa

John Phillip Sousa was born in Washington D.C. November 6, 1854 and and died in Washington D.C. March 6, 1932. Mr Sousa was a child prodigy having studied music from the age of 3. He started on the violin and learned how to play all of the instruments in the wind band. He is the most memorable conductor of the Presidents Own Marine Band (1880 - 1890) After leaving the Marine Band Mr Sousa started his own band that propelled his music to higher heights. John Phillip Sousa's most notable contribution to the wind band is the Sousaphone. The instrument was made by C.G. Conn at the request of Mr. Sousa. He wanted a low brass instrument that would play over the ensembles head whether sitting or standing.