History Speaks Lecture Series features John Philip Sousa

Ever since he played baritone horn and trombone in the high school band, Terry Lynch has enjoyed the music of John Philip Sousa. Lynch, a veteran actor and owner of HFK Presents, said, “Growing up as a lower brass player, I loved the Sousa marches. When I started doing research for the presentation, I found his life was unbelievably fascinating.”

Lynch will be portraying Sousa during the History Speaks Lecture Series from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 9, at Naper Settlement's Century Memorial Chapel, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. The audience will hear Sousa's great marches and learn about his colorful life, straight from the maestro himself. Although Sousa directed the President's Own Marine Band under five presidents in Washington, D.C., he also had a strong Chicago connection.

“Daniel Burnham asked Sousa to play during the opening ceremonies of the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago,” Lynch said. “In 1917, after World War I began, Sousa was appointed Lieutenant Commander and led the Great Lakes Navy Band in Illinois.”

The son of a musician who played in the U.S. Marine Band, Sousa grew up surrounded by music. Throughout his life, he composed 136 marches, 15 operettas, 70 songs and many other works. He is best known for his marches, including “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” which is the national march of the United States.

Advance tickets for the History Speaks Lecture Series presentation about John Philip Sousa are $6 for adults and $5 for students, youth and Naperville Heritage Society sustaining members. Tickets on the day of the presentation are $7 for adults, $6 for sustaining members, students and youth. Call (630) 420-6010 for tickets or visit www.napersettlement.com for more information.