On December 24, 1910, the Sousa Band embarked on a world tour. Although not the first group to travel around the world, the publicity generated was immense (although the financial rewards were only modest). Sousa’s reputation, marches and recordings preceded him; he and the band were welcomed as conquering heroes at every port.
Sousa was in poor health at the beginning of the tour, having contracted malaria during hunting trip in the fall of 1910. After spending two weeks in the hospital, he met the band in mid-tour in Montreal and finished a series of “farewell” concerts before sailing from New York on December 24.
Soloists for the tour were Virginia Root (soprano), Nicoline Zederer (violin), Herbert L. Clarke (cornet), John J. Perfetto (euphonium), Ralph Corey (trombone), Paul J. Senno (piccolo), Joseph Norrito (clarinet) and Joseph Marthage (harp).
Here is a summary of their itinerary (for a complete list of tour stops, consult Paul Bierley’s The Incredible Band of John Philip Sousa):
- Jan 9-Mar 3 1911: England, Ireland
- Mar 24-Apr 21: South Africa
- May 12-Aug 23: Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand
- Sep 10-Oct 15: Hawaii, Western Canada & U.S.
- Oct 23-Dec 1: Midwestern U.S. (TX, OK, KS, MO, NE, IA, WI, MN, MI, IL, OH)
- Dec 4-Dec 10: NY
Hi
are there available recordings of Virginia Root singing with the band?
Thanks
Steven Simon
Hello, Just wanted to point out a slight amendment to the dates above… Sousa’s tour of New Zealand concluded on 31st August, 1911 in Auckland. The final season of the tour ran in Auckland from 23rd August until 31st August and the performers sailed on 1st September, 1911. For confirmation please refer to this site…
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19110901.2.32?end_date=31-12-1921&items_per_page=10&page=3&query=sousa&snippet=true&start_date=01-01-1910&title=ALG%2cACNZC%2cAS%2cAKTIM%2cDSC%2cFRTIM%2cKWE%2cNZH%2cNZHAG%2cNZ%2cTO%2cPWT%2cROTWKG%2cSUNAK
Dear Mr. Lowe,
Thank you for this additional information and attached article as it makes a nice addition to the original concert program I have from 31st August 1911. Any chance you are related to Dr. William Lowe, who had the dual roll distinction of percussionist and the Band’s physician throughout the World Tour?
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Does anyone know where to find Sousa’s tour dates for 1927-1931?
Thanks,
Dear Mr. Campbell,
The best resource for your query is the Dr. Paul E. Bierley’s book, “The Incredible Band of John Philip Sousa.” Appendix 1 is devoted to every tour Sousa’s Band played with day-by-day tour stops, concert halls, etc., including the years you seek. I hope this helpful and best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
I have a photograph of Penn Station advertising Sousa and his Band playing there on December 3, 19??
Anyone know what year this was?
Dear Mr. Restelli,
Thank you for your query. Assuming the Penn Station mentioned is in NYC, in the 39-year history of Sousa’s Band, there were only four occasions when they performed in NY on December 3rd – 1892 (Oneida & Rome); 1893 (Brooklyn); and 1915 (Hippodrome Theatre). I hope this is helpful.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
I just found a pamphlet book titled “Around the World with Sousa, a Memento of the Tour” by Edmund A. Wall. I know that Wall was on the 1910 tour. It’s really fascinating as it’s a poem that talks about every member of the band.
Has anyone seen something like this before? My search on the internet came up empty.
Dear Mr. Stice,
Thank you for your query. Yes, in fact each member of Sousa’s Band received a copy of this memento. It’s interesting when the Band reached Los Angeles, four members left or quit the tour so perhaps they missed getting one. Their sudden departure is a mystery to this day.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer