Sousa's great-grandson closes band season in Wheaton
Most people recognize John Philip Sousa as “The March King.” But his great-grandson, John Philip Sousa IV, prefers a different nickname: “The Pied Piper of Patriotism.”
“That fits him to a T,” he said. “He served his country in unlimited ways, not the least of which was joining the Marine band when he was 13 years old.”
On Saturday, Sousa IV will be in Wheaton to help the Wheaton Municipal Band close its summer season. The band will perform some of Sousa's legendary ancestor's music and the Connecticut native will mix in stories about his great grandfather.
The performance starts at 8 p.m. Saturday at Edman Memorial Chapel, at the northeast corner of Washington Street and Franklin Avenue.
Sousa said the reason the great composer's music still resonates is simple: it's just good.
“People really like it,” he said. “If they didn't like it, or if it wasn't any good, I guarantee you (Wheaton band conductor) Bruce (Moss) would do it once and say, ‘Never again.' But people keep showing up.”
Sousa travels the country to support municipal bands and praised Wheaton's band, saying that he enjoys its performances when he visits, which last happened about five years ago.
He said watching the crowds react is also a fun experience.
“They're feet tap and hands clap and you can see them keeping beat to the music and the big smiles,” he said. “That's what has kept the music alive. For the most part, it's real feel-good music.”
As he spoke of his ancestor's talent and patriotism, Sousa said the same honor and duty the legendary composer felt is duplicated in the thousands of soldiers who serve in the armed forces today.
An immigrant whose parents emigrated to the U.S., the elder Sousa helped endlessly during World War I, joining the navy and performing to help raise money. He was one of 10 children and his family was not wealthy. However, by working hard, he died a millionaire, the younger Sousa said.
“He was incredibly grateful to the citizens of the U.S. and the U.S. itself for giving him the opportunity,” his great-grandson said. “They weren't wealthy, it's not like he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Everything he got, he earned.”