History Happy Hour! “Making the March King”: John Philip Sousa’s Rise to Fame

Special concert and starting time!
Join us at 6:30 p.m. for a special half-hour concert of Sousa selections performed by members of the Olney Concert Band, preceding Dr. Warfield’s presentation.

We all know the tune of “Stars and Stripes Forever,” one of the most-performed marches at American celebrations like July 4. Its composer, John Philip Sousa, became a giant in American popular culture during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. How did he develop a charismatic personality while wooing his audiences with the drama of his music? How did Sousa’s early years of theatrical training in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia help to shape both his professional persona, and music that conveyed spectacle and excitement? Hear the story from Dr. Patrick Warfield, American culture specialist and Associate Director for Graduate Studies in the School of Music at the University of Maryland.

Patrick Warfield teaches American popular music, including rock, jazz, and the blues. He has authored books and articles on American band traditions and 19^th century music. He is also active as a public musicologist, delivering programs at the Music Center at Strathmore, the Washington National Opera, and the Smithsonian.

History Happy Hours are generously sponsored by Therrien Waddell Construction Group and include complimentary drinks and snacks.