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Event—Adult Education

Canceled - John Philip Sousa: His Marches and the Beginnings of Popular Music in America

Apr 18, 2020

John Philip Sousa is America’s first super star. What Johann Strauss did for the waltz, Sousa did for the American march. The unique musical style of Sousa’s marches distinguished them from the formal, rather staid marches of Europe and captured a newly forming spirit of American patriotism as Americans were dealing with the aftermath of the Civil War.

Out of an abundance of caution in response to the spread of COVID-19, we have canceled all remaining seminars in the Winter/Spring 2020 term. Please visit www.newberry.org/covid19 for further updates.

Please email seminars@newberry.org with any questions.

Seminar Description

John Philip Sousa is America’s first super star. What Johann Strauss did for the waltz, Sousa did for the American march. The unique musical style of Sousa’s marches distinguished them from the formal, rather staid marches of Europe and captured a newly forming spirit of American patriotism as Americans were dealing with the aftermath of the Civil War. In this seminar, we’ll explore the ways Sousa’s style, along with his understanding of the possibilities of popular music, were in lockstep with the spirit of America in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries.

One session. E – $110, R – $121

After finishing his BM in music, David Pituch served as a military musician in Norad Band in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He went on to earn an MA and PhD in music and received a Fulbright scholarship. His vision of music history includes an honored place for John Philip Sousa.

Materials List

Required:

  • There are no required materials for this class.

Recommended:

  • John Philip Sousa: American Phenomenon. Paul Bierley. Alfred Music, 2001. ISBN: 978-0757906121

Registration Information

  • Online registration opens at 9 am (CST) on Tuesday, January 7.
  • Phone registration opens at 12 pm (CST) on Wednesday, January 8.

Early registration (E) prices are in effect from January 7 at 9 am through January 24 at 4 pm. Regular registration (R) prices are in effect January 24 at 4 pm through the end of the term.

We offer a 10% discount to members, seniors, and students.

Need Help? Please email seminars@newberry.org.

This seminar is part of the Newberry’s Seminars Program. Learn more about registering for a seminar, program policies and procedures, or teaching a seminar.