Sousa Band Roster
A partial listing of musicians and soloists who performed and toured with Sousa’s Band.
Reference: Kenneth Berger, The March King and His Band. New York, Exposition Press, 1957.
For a much more complete roster, check out Paul Bierley’s The Incredible Band of John Philip Sousa.
A
George Abel, oboe, 1923-24; Lucy Ann Allen (Mrs. Haviland), soloist; George Ahlborn, flute, 1910-15; Max F. Arnold, cornet, 1926-27; Harry Askin, manager, 1924-30.
B
Eldon Baker, baritone, 1892; Mary Baker, vocalist; Harry Baldwin, clarinet, 1907-12; Winifred Bambrick, harp, 1923-30; Charles V. Banner, cornet, 1915; Chester Barclay; James R. Barnes, manager, 1904-5; Henri J. Barron, clarinet, 1920-24; Harry W. Baskind, clarinet, 1928-29; Don Bassett, clarinet; Frederick W. Bayers, clarinet/alto sax, 1923-24; John W. Becker, clarinet, 1914-19; Rudolph Becker, sax, 1892-1915; John W. “Jack” Bell, flute-piccolo, 1927-30; William J. Bell, tuba, 1921-24; Herman Bellstedt, cornet-arranger, 1904-05; Walter H. Bender, clarinet, 1927; Berry, 1910; Howard M. Bertrand, sax, 1915-20; Peter Biroschak, horn, 1923-27; Eugene Bishop, cornet, 1919; Paul G. Blagg, cornet; David Blakely, manager, 1892-96; Fred Blodgett, trombone, 1918; Joseph Boccavecchia, alto clarinet, 1900; Albert Bode, cornet, 1892; Jules Bolle, cornet, 1928-29; Clarence E. Booth, bassoon, 1927-30; James G. Borrelli, clarinet, 1917-22; William T. Bortman, clarinet, 1916-17; Charles Boscheck, clarinet, 1926-27; C. Braun, trombone, 1927; Nelson Braybrook, cornet, 1921-22, 1929; D. “Doc” Brisbin, trombone, 1921; Howard C. Bronson, clarinet, 1921-29; Bert Brown, cornet, 1915-16, 1918; Ralph Brown, horn, 1923; Joseph R. Browning, cornet; Bertha Bucklin, violinist, 1893-1900; F. Burnell, trumpet, 1927; William R. Burnham, horn; Peter Buys, clarinet, 1912-17, arranger, 1912-31; Stanley Byra, clarinet, 1923-24; Gerald R. Byrne, horn, 1920-24.
C
Ted Campbell, flute; W. Fred Campbell, flute, 1924; Walter H. Cameron, cornet, 1926-31; George Carey, percussion, 1923-25; Earl J. Carns; Carroll “Johnny” Carr, clearinet, 1921-26; Stephen L. Carroll, clarinet, 1919-21; Louis Castellucci, trombone; Matthias Cesky, bass, 1892; Chris Chapman, percussion, 1900; Ross Chapman, trombone, 1900; Joseph Cheney, clarinet, 1915; Albert C. Chiafarelli, clarinet, 1904; Arnold L. Chick, cornet, 1919, 1926; Paul Christensen, 1922-23; A. J. Christian, horn, 1921; Frank Christianer, manager, 1900-1905; Louis Christie, clarinet, 1894-1901; Rei Christopher, horn, 1920; James Cimera, trombone, 1913; Jaroslav “Jerry” Cimera, trombone, 1915; Edwin G. Clarke, fluegelhorn/business manager, 1900-1911; Ernest H. Clarke, trombone, 1915-16; Herbert L. Clarke, cornet, 1893, 1899-1901, 1904-17; William Coburn Clarke; Paul Clifford; Herb Coleman; J. Collins, flute, 1927; Walter Collins, 1910-11; W. D. Collins, cornet, 1921; Benjamin Conklin, sax; Herman C. Conrad, tuba, 1892-1900; Ralph H. Corey, trombone, 1908-20; L. E. Cosmey, 1910-11; Oscar Cott, tuba, 1913-15; John S. Cox, flute, 1892; William Culley, clarinet, 1910-11; Cunnington, 1910.
D
Arthur Danner, cornet, 1919-29; Maxwell Davidson, tenor sax, 1900; Maude Resse Davies, soloist, 1900; Arthur Davis, clarinet, 1915; Robin W. “Doc” Davis, clarinet; Philip Deblasi; William H. Decker, bassoon, 1910-11; Garrett L. DeKay, baritone; Anthony Del Negro, oboe; Luca(s) Del Negro, bass, 1900; Joseph DeLuca, baritone, 1921-27; Jerry DeSimone, horn, 1919-20; Paul Desmond, sax, 1927; Jean Devaux, oboe, 1900-1905; Homer W. Dickinson, alto sax, 1900; John Dolan, cornet, 1920-28; A. Donati, bass clarinet, 1900; Petro D’Onofrio, bassoon; H. Dornheim, Eb clarinet, 1900; Anthony D’Ortenzio, alto sax, 1921; W. Dougherty, clarinet; Blanche Duffield, soloist, 1900; Carrie Duke, violin soloist, 1896; W. Earl Duncan, cornet; Herman Dutschke, horn, 1914.
E
Felix Eau Claire, sax, 1927; Sol Eckstein, 1910-11; Clarence Engberg, clarinet, 1915; Lorenzo A. “Lou” Engberg, clarinet, 1900-1907, 1911-28; Espinoso, sax, 1928; Evans, flute; John Evans, bass, 1928.
F
Rex Elton Fair, flute; Norma Fauchald (Mrs. George H. Morgan), vocalist, 1923-24; George Fee, cornet, 1927; William Fees, cornet; Nicola Ferrara, tuba(?); Earl W. Field, 1923-24; Lillian Finegan, personal secretary, 1931; Max Flaster, clarinet, 1915-19; John Fletcher, trumpet; William Fletcher, clarinet, 1904-1905; W. Foerster, alto clarinet, 1900; Lloyd H. Folts, trombone, 1928; Earl V. W. Foote, clarinet-sax, 1931; George F. Ford, flute, 1921; Herman Forster, percussion, 1900; Joseph Frankel, clarinet, 1904; Teddy Franklin, flute, 1924; Arthur L. Frantz, horn, 1927; Harry Freeman, trumpet; J. Freeman, tuba, 1927; Myrta French, vocalist; Harry Fricke, horn, 1892; Einar Frigga, clarinet, 1921-24; Louis P. Fritze, flute, 1915-19; Otto Fritzche, clarinet, 1900; A. L. Robert Fuller.
G
Birley Gardner, cornet; Donald C. Gardner, tuba, 1921-25; Atha J. Garing, baritone, 1908-23; Dana M. Garrett, cornet, 1923; Ernest Gatley, clarinet, 1910-11; Guy G. “Washy” Gaugler, cornet/librarian, 1910-27; Henry Geise, clarinet, 1892; William C. Gens, tuba, 1923; Ernest Gentile, trombone, 1916-17, 1920; Americo Gentile, clarinet, 1906-15; Pirro Gentile, bass clarinet, 1919-21; Joseph Gerard, oboe, 1910-15; Paul Oscar Gerhardt, oboe, 1912-29; George H. Germond, clarinet, 1927; William Giacchetti, snare drum, 1898; E. Gillespie, trombone, 1922; A. Neal Gleason; Margel Gluck, violinist; Robert Gooding, sax, 1924; Gerald Goodrich; Howard Goulden, percussion, 1920-30; Edward E. Grant, horn; Theodore R. Grant; Howard Grantham, sax; Lester M. Gray, trombone, 1923-26; Joseph Green, percussion; William Grieve; W. Griffin, cornet; Arthur L. “Shorty” Griswold, bass, 1910-11; August Grosskurth, trumpet, 1900; Charles Gusikoff, trombone.
H
Clyde Hall, clarinet, 1926; Herman Hand, horn, 1910-11; Florence Hardman, soloist; J. E. Harper, clarinet, 1921; Aaron Harris, baritone, 1917-20; Charles W. “Cy” Harris, trombone, 191; Samuel Harris, clarinet, 1911-20; Walter Harris, clarinet, 1927-31; August Hasse (Haase), baritone, 1892; Frank M. Haynes, snare drum, 1910-15; John Hazel, cornet; Earl Heater, cornet, 1927; Henry Heidelberg, flute, 1904-15; William H. Heinrich; Earl D. Held, flute, 1927; Frantz (Frank) Hell, fluegelhorn, 1900; August Helleberg Sr., bass, 1900; August Helleberg Jr., bass; John H. Helleberg, tuba, 1904-10; August Helmecke Jr., bass drum, 1915-31; Russell D. Henegar, cornet, 1924-25; Edward J. Heney, alto sax, 1924-31; John Joseph Heney, percussion; William P. Heney; H. Benne Henton, sax, 1919; F. Heppner, 1892; William Herb, 1924-1932; F. Heuse, clarinet, 1900; John “Jack” Hickey, clarinet, 1900-1915; Henry Higgins(on), cornet, 1900; Albert J. Hiltensmith, cornet, 1924-31; George Frederick Hinton, business manager, 1898-1905; G. Hoffman, cornet, 1927; William Holl, clarinet, 1924; Ira Holland, corent, 1912; Frank Holt, percussion, 1927; Wally T. Holt, clarinet; Frank Holton, trombone, 1892; Anton Horner, horn, 1900-02; M. B. Howard, sax, 1915-20; Noble P. Howard, baritone, 1924-31; Paul E. Howland, clarinet, 1931; Dorothy Hoyle, violin soloist, 1901; Carl H. Hudson, clarinet; Gerald Huffman; Thomas A. Hughes, clarinet, 1897-1901, 1915.
J
Otto Jacobs, clarinet/copyist, 1921-27; Andrew Jacobson, sax; Paul Jahn, clarinet; Ferdinand Jambon, bassoon; Bartley Jeffrey, librarian/secretary, 1924-25; C. M. Johnson; Ed D. Johnson, clarinet, 1921; Herman R. Johnson, bass clarinet, 1921-24; Samuel Johnson, snare drum, 1898; Martina Johnson; T. S. Jones.
K
Herbert A. Kalmbach, clarinet, 1919-22; George Kampe, clarinet, 1910-15; Joseph Kapralek, Eb clarinet, 1910-11; Charles Kardasen, clarinet, 1923-28; Earl Karns, trombone, 1923; Emil Kenecke, cornet; Vane H. Kensinger, clarinet, 1925-29; Loren E. Kent, bass, 1927; Richard Kent, sax; J. M. Kerns; William J. Kerns; Earl Kilgore, clarinet, 1920-31; Owen D. Kincaid, sax, 1926-31; Bill Kirkeise; R. Klump, flute, 1927; Albert A. Knecht, sax, 1905-20; Louis Knittle, sax, 1900; Jacob Knuttunen, cornet, 1927; Henry D. Koch, horn, 1892-1905; Emil Koennicke (same as Kenecke?); John Kratz, clarinet; Otto Kraushaar, bassoon, 1927; Hugo Krocek, tenor sax, 1921; B. Kroeder, clarinet, 1900; Charles Wm. Krueger, sax; William Kruse, bassoon, 1927; Bohumir Kryl, cornet, 1906; John “Chief Red Cloud” Kuhn (Koon), bass, 1915-19; Mathias J. Kuhn, horn; William Kunkel, piccolo-flute, 1923; Arthur Kunze, horn, 1910-12.
L
Eugene LaBarre, cornet, 1919-31; Joseph LaCalle, clarinet, 1893; Laendner, horn, 1910-11; Mayhew L. Lake, arranger; Hy Lammers; William H. Langan, clarinet, 1892-1903; William R. Lange, horn, 1900; Gustave Langenus, clarinet, 1902-3; W. Langon, clarinet, 1900 (same as Langan?); Anton LaRue, bassoon; A. Laurendeau, alto sax, 1900; Jim Lawnham, clarinet, 1910-11; Stanley Lawton, baritone sax, 1892-1911; E. A. Lefebre, sax, 1892; Joseph Lefter, flute; Charles A. Leiby, clarinet; Lephilibert, oboe, 1910-11; A. Leroux, bassoon, 1900; John Letz; Abe Levi, clarinet, 1900; Wayne Lewis, baritone, 1927; Anthony Liberati; Estelle Liebling, vocalist; John A. Liegl, clarinet, 1921-24, 1929; Herman Paul Liehr, tuba; John Linde, 1923-24; Clarence “Livvy” Livingston, clarinet, 1910-11; A. Lochmyer, Eb clarinet, 1900; Ed E. Locke, clarinet, 1900; Joe Lomas, 1910-11; John Lotz, clarinet, 1904; Philip Lotze, horn, 1900; Clarence Loveridge; William “Doc” Lowe, percusossion, 1892, 1910-11; Nathan C. “Nat” Lower, bass; Graden Lower, baritone; Theodore Lubis, flute; George Lucas, trombone, 1910-12; Marshall Lufsky, flute, 1900-12; Mark C. Lyon, trombone/baggage-master, 1892-1915; Darius A. Lyons, flute, 1900-04.
M
Bert A. Madden, sax, 1927; Rene Magnas, alto clarinet, 1910-15; Anton N. Maly, oboe, 1931; Simeone Mantia, baritone, 1896-1903; Pasquale Marchesi, clarinet, 1900; Fred Stanley Marshall; Joseph L. Marthage, harp, 1910-15; Oscar Mathies (Matthes), clarinet, 1915-19; George H. Maurer, percussion, 1915; Richard McCann, cornet, 1914-15; Ellis McDiarmid, flute; C. G. McGibeny, clarinet, 1904-08; William McLaughlin, clarinet, 1915; G. R. McRitchie; Samuel E. Mear; Inez Mecusker, vocalist, 1894; Louis Mehling; Richard Messenger, oboe, 1892; Albertus Meyers, cornet, 1925; Roy M. Miller, clarinet; Ross Millhouse, cornet, 1904-12; Thomas Mills, percussion, 1900; Emil Mix, bass, 1910-11; Oscar Modess, bassoon, 1910-11; Paul Moheles, oboe, 1900; Fred K. “Hoopy” Monroe, bass sax, 1924-31; Marjorie Moody (Mrs. Everett Glines), vocalist, 1923-30; Jean Moremans, alto sax, 1900-1906; Louis Morris, clarinet, 1907-21; Everett Allyn Moses, cornet; John Mountz, horn, 1923-24; Carlos Mullenix, oboe, 1928-31; John C. Murdoch, clarinet.
N
Hal Nelson, clarinet, 1900; Edwin E. Newcomb, cornet, 1920-22; Arthur J. Newman, clarinet, 1918-21; Pete Nielson, trumpet, 1900; Robert Nome; G. “Jack” Norrito, flute/piccolo, 1900; Joseph Norrito, clarinet, 1892-1923; Elizabeth Northrup, vocalist; R. Noyes, clarinet; Charles S. Nutick, oboe, 1927; Oscar L. Nutter, bass trombone, 1921; Frank Nutze, cornet.
O
Martin J. “Marty” O’Connor, bass; J. Orosky, flute, 1927-28; R. Ostrom, cornet, 1927; Charles Otto, clarinet, 1900.
P
P. J. Parisi, trombone; William T. Paulson, percussion, 1930-31; Earnest F. Pechin, cornet, 1912-13; Leo Pechmann, oboe; John J. Perfetto, baritone, 1904-21; Mons. Perrier, clarinet/alto sax; Chester A. Perry; John A. Petrie, flute, 1924-28; Fred E. Pfaff, bass; Phares, flute, 1928; David Piates, clarinet, 1919; John J. Pierce, bass; William N. Pierce, horn, 1921-22; Ettore Pomo, clarinet, 1900; Albert A. Pons, flute; Harry Powell, arranger; Maude Powell, violin soloist; Jeanette Powers; Carl Preble, baritone, 1921-25; Emil G. Preiss, clarinet, 1894-1908; Emil Price (same as Preiss?); Arthur Pryor, trombone/assistant conductor, 1892-1903; Samuel Pryor, snare drum.
R
Joseph Michele Raffayola, baritone, 1892-1903; Walter F. Rasp, clarinet, 1927; Santiago Reichart, horn, 1913-19; Abraham Reines, bassoon, 1915-21; Leo Reines, bassoon; Morris Reines, bassoon; Philip Reines, bassoon; A. Reisner, bass clarinet, 1927; Paolo Renzi, oboe, 1927; Everett R. Reynolds, manager, 1897-1900; Jack Richardson, bass, 1904-10, 1912-24; John W. Richardson, bass, 1915; Walter E. Ripple, trumpet, 1915; William Robinson, 1910-11; Walter B. Rogers, cornet, 1899-1904 Virginia Root (Mrs. George McAdam), vocalist, 1910-11, 1916; Arthur H. Rosander Sr., sax/librarian, 1909-11, 1919-20; Arthur H. Rosander Jr., sax, 1922-23; Eugene C. Rose, flute, 1900-02; Bob Ross, clarinet, 1923-27; C. Irving Rothwell, trombone; Howard L. Rowell, trumpet, 1921; George Rubel, clarinet, 1915; Carl T. Rundquist, clarinet, 1927; Willard Rundquist, clarinet; Gabe Russ, bass, 1925-27; Jess Russ, bass, 191; Clarence J. “Buss” Russell, cornet/librarian, 1910-17, 1919-31.
S
Maurice Sackett, 1923-24; William H. Santelmann, clarinet, 1892; Joseph F. Saum, clarinet; Hugo Savolina, bassoon, 1915; August H. Schaefer, cornet; Samuel Schaik (Schaich), clarinet, 1892-1915; C. Schaerges, horn, 1927; Walter Scheaffer, 1910-11; William Schenstly, sax, 1902-07; Schlantz, sax, 1926; William Schneider, 1923-27; Carl Schroeder, bass clarinet/librarian, 1910-15; Henry A. Schueler, cornet, 1921; John P. Schueler, trombone, 1920-31; William P. Schueler, clarinet, 1919-31; Robert Schultz, horn, 1915; Arthur Schwanner; Charles F. A. Schwartz, clarinet/sax, 1920-22; Schofield Schwartz, clarinet, 1926-28; Franz Schulz, clarinet, 1892-1900; Raymond Scott, clarinet; Horace P. Seavey, bass, 1900; Frank Seltzer, cornet, 1892; Paul Senno, piccolo/flute, 1910-11; Paul C. Sexauer, horn, 1923; Henry Seyfried, clarinet, 1921; T. F. Shannon, sax; James W. Shepard, clarinet, 1921; Lambert Shoof, sax(?); Oscar B. Short, cornet, 1925-31; Paul Siebeneichen, flute; John Silbach, sax/alto clarinet, 1921-31; Frank Simon, cornet, 1914-20; Jay Gilmore Sims, trombone/manager, 1919-31; Eugene Slick, clarinet/sax, 1928-29; A. Smith, clarinet, 1900; Arthur Smith, cornet, 1892; Bert H. Smith, trombone, 1892-1901; Clarence Smith, horn 1910; Harold Smith, flute/sax, 1928; Walter F. Smith, cornet, 1892-96; Frank A. Snow, percussion, 1910-15; Donald Snyder; Earl A. Sodahl, sax; William Somerset, clarinet; Hugo Sommer; James E. Son, baritone sax, 1923-24; Fortunato F. Sordillo, baritone, 1912-14; Spalti, sax, 1926; Spindler, flute, 1910-11; Staats, 1892; C. Adelbert Charles Delaware “Del” Staigers, cornet, 1919-20; Harold O. Stambaugh, cornet, 1920-29; Gustave (August) Stengler, clarinet, 1892; Harold B. Stephens, sax, 1925-26; Henry P. “Hank” Stern, bass; Arthur E. (von) Storch, bass, 1910-15; Frank Stretz; Richard Stross, cornet; Charles Strothkamp, clarinet, 1927; Frank “Buddy” Sullivan, sax, 1926-31 (joined at age 16, youngest of any Sousa Band member); Francis W. Sullivan, cornet, 1916-17; Bill Sweetland.
T
Charles C. Thetford, clarinet, 1908, 1915-16; Henry Thode, bassoon, 1900; Caroline Thomas; Ernest L. Thompson, clarinet, 1923-24; Harry A. Thompson, percussion; Lloyd M. Thompson; Shirley C. Thompson, bassoon, 1921-24; Harry F. Thorne, cornet; Joseph T. Thorne, flute, 1923, 1929; George B. Tompkins, clarinet, 1927-31; William Tong, cornet, 1924-30; Cecil E. “Stub” Tozier, clarinet, 1927; F. Tritton, tuba, 1927; Courtney S. “Mr. Hooligan” Tucker, clarinet, 1928-29; Susan Tompkins, violin soloist, 1916.
U
M. Urbain, clarinet, 1892-1915.
V
John E. VanFossen, clarinet, 1924-31; Maurice VanPraag, horn, 1914-22; Benjamin Vereecken, sax, 1910-15; Michael Vinciguerra, clarinet, 1921; Giacinto Vitocolonna, horn, 1919-20; Leonora VonStorch, violin soloist, 1905; Joseph Voorzanger, trombone.
W
Frank W. Wadsworth, flute, 1893; Ernest Wagner, flute, 1915-17; Charles Alfred Wall, clarinet, 1927, 1929; Edmund A. Wall, clarinet, 1910-11; Edmund C. Wall, clarinet, 1926-31; R. Walt, oboe, 1927; Ed Wardwell, baritone, 1898-1903; Winifield Wavrek, oboe; Bethold Wavrek, flute, 1927-31; Fred “Buck” Weaver, clarinet, 1927; Randall Webber, clarinet; Albert L. Weber, bass, 1926; Charles A. Weber Jr., sax, 1918; Herbert E. C. Weber, bass, 1924-26; Carl Weinelt, horn; Leon E. “Duke” Weir, sax, 1920-26; Victor H. Welte, cornet, 1907-29; Richard E. Whitby, trombone, 1914-15; C. Wienelt, horn, 1900; Ralph N. Wige; Holly Wilder, cornet, 1900; Robert G. Willamin, clarinet, 1923-24; Edward A. Williams, bass trombone, 1892-1917; Ernest S. Williams, cornet, 1902-03; Jan Williams, clarinet, 1910-11; Warren Williams, clarinet, 1927; Cedric Willson, bassoon, 1923-24; R. Meredith Wilson, flute, 1921-23; H. Woolridge, clarinet, 1927; Arthur M. Wriggins, flute, 1928; John Wummer, flute, 1927-28.
Y
Otto Yenke, horn, 1903.
Z
Nicoline “Nici” Zedeler (Mrs. Emil Mix), violin soloist; Leo A. Zimmerman, trombone, 1903-08, 1930; Henry Zlotnik, flute, 1928-31; F. Zuber, clarinet, 1927.
You have misspelled this man’s name
“Arron Harris, baritone, 1917-20”
It is
Aaron Harris, baritone, 1917-20
He was my trombone teacher in Lynn MA from 1954 – 1960
Aaron Harris from Lynn, MA was my grandfather. He played many instruments for Sousa. I was told he played a double bell euphonium that Sousa designed. Any information about my grandfather and the instruments he played would be very appreciated. Two of his brothers also played in Sousa’s band.
Dear Ms. Hirshberg,
It is wonderful to learn your grandfather, Aaron Harris, played in Sousa’s Band as well as your two great-uncles, perhaps Cy and Samuel? While with Sousa, your grandfather played the double bell euphonium and perhaps, trombone, when the occasion called for it. It seems someone has given you a little Sousa “lore” with regard to him designing an instrument for your grandfather to play. The double bell was well-established by the time Mr. Harris joined Sousa in 1917 as Sousa was noted for making modifications to the helicon bass which became known as the “sousaphone.” I have a program in my collection from 1929 that features your grandfather in the 17th Monster Band Concert with Sousa leading a 400-piece band at the Mechanics Building in Boston on April 7th. There is a handsome image of him posed with his double bell euphonium in an ad for C.G. Conn instruments on the same page that lists his solo piece that evening. If you contact Mr. Lovrien, perhaps he will put us in contact if you would like a copy of the image.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Dear Mr.lovrien,
Would you kindly give me Barry OwenFurrer’s email as he suggested we contact each other directly.
Thank You,
Susan Harris Hirshberg
Hi there I’m looking for the name Giovannino Falcione or “John Falcione”. I read an article from The Boston Globe stating that he played the trombone in 1927! He is my Great Grandfather. I am just looking for some more information regarding him being a part of this!
Dear Barry,
My earlier email to Ms Harris Hirshberg has received no reply. My deadline for the International Trumpet Guild Article about his book Advanced Studies for Trumpet is August 1st and is due to be published for January 2021.
Is there any chance you could forward my email address to her. It would be so cool to have a decent photograph of Mr Harris and perhaps a date of death. I have been granted permission to re-edit his book and every piece of information will make the new edition that much better.
Thank you for your consideration
David Bertie
Dear Mr. Bertie,
Thank you for your note. I, too, have not had any direct communications with Ms. Harris Hirshberg other than this forum. Perhaps by contacting Mr. Lovrien directly, he can put us in contact as I have no objection to his sharing my contact information with you or Ms. Harris Hirshberg. Unfortunately, there appears to be little information on Aaron Harris in the issues of the Sousa Band Fraternal Society newsletters of which he was a member; however, I can offer the following: he is listed on the July 1954 roster and residing at 42 Cherry St., in Lynn, MA, and does not appear on the May 1956 roster. Best wishes with your research and hopefully we’ll be in touch before your deadline.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Hi David,
I’m so sorry I missed the opportunity to send you a photo of my grandfather Aaron Harris.
Please email me directly if I can help you in any way.
Best, Susan
Email:
shirshberg5@gmail.com
Dear Mr. Owen Furrer,
I would be interested in seeing the picture you mention in this article. I have only seen two pictures of Mr. Harris neither of which are of good quality. Mr. Harris featured in an advert for the Conn Wonderhorn (a doubled-belled euphonium) in the Boy Scouts of America magazine Boy’s Life dated Sept 1931. I wonder if you have the same advert or a different one.
Further to your earlier help, I can now inform you that Mr. Harris passed away aged 80 in March 1968.
with kind regards
David Bertie
Good morning Barry:. I’m John from Buffalo New York. My grandfather Leonard D’anna played the double bell euphonium also in Souza. I still have the instrument. I’ve only found a few things out about him. I know he played in the early twenties. If you have any more information I would appreciate anything you have. Regards John
Dear Mr. Danna,
Thank you very much for your most welcomed query. I did respond to your earlier note from 1/13/20 with what little information is available about your Grandfather, Leonard Danna (kindly scroll down). Unfortunately, your family name has been misspelled on at least three different occasions when associated with Sousa’s Band including “D’ana,” “Diana,” and “Dana” making research more difficult. It is possible he only played the 1920 engagement at Willow Grove Park as he is listed as a member of the Band’s brass sextette on August 26th, 1920 as his name/address does not turn up on any of the Band’s personnel rosters from 1919-1921. Apparently, he was not a member of the Sousa Band Fraternal Society formed in the 1940s which further chronicled the lives and careers of numerous former members of Sousa’s Band. While this forum does not facilitate the exchange of contact info, I have no objection to your reaching out the website’s creator David Lovrien, for my email address should you wish reach me.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Hi John-
My name is Mark Jones from Hamburg NY. I am a tuba player, collector of instruments, and do Power Point talks…including one on Sousa and his Band. I also have played with The New Sousa Band.
Might I get a chance to come over at your convenience some time to see you Grandfather’s double bell euphonium?
Let me know.
Thank you.
Mark
email: jonestuba@gmail.com
Hello Susan,my grandfather also played in John Philip Sousa played several instruments the double bell euphonium which I still have the French horn the cello. His name was Leonard Danna. What years did your grandfather play? Sincerely John
Dear Mr. Danna,
It is wonderful to learn your grandfather, Leonard Danna, played in Sousa’s Band! It is unfortunate; however, his last name was misspelled on at least three occasions and is listed as “D’ana” in Paul Bierley’s “Incredible Band of JPS;” as “Diana” in a 1920 printed Sousa Band summer personnel list; and as “Dana”on a Willow Grove Park program from August 26th, 1920 appearing with the Sousa Band brass sextette in “Ah, Love” from The Bride-Elect. I’m sorry I don’t have any additional information to provide.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Dear Susan,
My name is David Bertie and I am hoping to produce a lecture about your Grandfather’s book Advanced Studies for the Trumpet for the International Trumpet Guild.
Could you possibly supply a biography to support my research ? The one in the revised edition of 1972 appears to have its initial paragraph missing. Was he a violinist first?
Thank you in advance and anticipation
My grandfather was Earl (Erl) Holland. He played tuba in the marching band. I dont know what year but we have photos of him in his uniform and a panoramic photo of the band marching. Mr. Sousa also sent flowers to my grandparents when they were married. Unfortunately the card was signed by the florist. If you have any information about Earl (Erl) Holland I would appreciate it.
Dear Ms. Hoback,
The only Holland appearing in a Sousa personnel database is an “Ira Holland” who played cornet/trumpet in 1905 and possibly 1912. He was also a member of D.W. Reeves’ American Band in Providence, RI. Sousa’s Band was not a marching unit but rather a concert or “sit down” band. In 39 years, the Band only marched on eight occasions vs. playing over 15,550 concerts. I would be curious to see your panoramic photo and should it be Sousa’s Band, it could be easily dated based on appearance, instrumentation, and personnel.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
I was told my grandfather,
Joseph Zecha from ellinwood KS played coronet and trombone in Sousa Band
Is there any record of this?
I still have his trumpet and coronet
Is there any record of a musician named Slusher who played French horn in Sousa’s band?
I was told my great grandfathers uncle, Giuseppe “Joseph” Del Giudice played the corner in JPS’s band or marching unit (not sure which one). I have photos of him in the band- could someone help me try to verify the photo?
I was told that my first music teacher (1950 – 1956), Harry Preble, played cornet in Sousa’s last concert band. After Sousa’s death in 1932, Mr. Preble performed with an unknown number of professional bands, including the Cities Service Band, Radio City Music Hall, NY, NY, as 1st cornetist.
Does anyone have information regarding Harry Preble?
Dear Mr. Wagner,
There is one Preble listed in Bierley’s “Incredible Band of JPS” volume; however, it is Carl E. Preble who played euphonium from 1921-1926. Unfortunately, I do not know if he was a relation to your former teacher, Harry Preble.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Re Bertha Bucklin:
Mrs. Bertha Bucklin Chase of Syracuse, formerly of Little Falls, and a noted violin virtuoso, died Thursday at 5:30 a.m. at the Crouse-Irving hospital at Syracuse. Mrs. Chase was widely known as a musician and completed her musical education in Germany and France. She was at one time violin soloist with Sousa’s band. Besides her husband she leaves four children, also her mother Lucy Bucklin, and one brother, L. O. Bucklin, of Little Falls.
According to online records, she passed on June 13th, 1912. Mr. Lovrien has since updated the information provided. Kindly scroll down for my earlier reply – thank you!
Barry Owen Furrer
bfs43093@gmail.com
James E. Son, baritone sax, 1923-24 with Sousa’s band was, in his later years, founder of the Long Beach Junior Concert Band. I was a member of that youth band throughout the 1950’s, and owe my entire life’s career as a musician to this man’s work….and, the later work of the one that carried on with the band until his death, Marvin Marker. Countless young people were guided to a better life, and many to a musical life, due to the work of these two men.
My grandfather was a member of John Philip Sousa played The Cello and French horn and double bell euphonium.His name was Leonard Danna. He also played for Queen Anne’s band, and also played the first years of the Buffalo philharmonic. Can give you dates let me know if you need more information. Sincerely John
My grandfather’s name is not listed and should be. His name was Harvey Dean Nash and he was a cornetist. He marched with Sousa at least from 1917-1919. I currently have in my possession a panoramic picture of the whole 300 piece blue jacket naval marching band taken at Great Lakes. My grandfather is in the picture, Sousa is in the middle of the band.
This page only lists members of Sousa’s commercial touring band. Thousands played under Sousa’s training bands at Great Lakes Naval Station but we cannot list them all.
Dear Mr Lovrien
My earlier email to Ms Harris Hirshberg has received no reply. My deadline for the International Trumpet Guild Article about his book Advanced Studies for Trumpet is August 1st and is due to be published for January 2021.
Is there any chance you could forward my email address to her. It would be so cool to have a decent photograph of Mr Harris and perhaps a date of death. I have been granted permission to re-edit his book and every piece of information will make the new edition that much better.
Thank you for your consideration
David Bertie
I forwarded your email to her on February 9, per your first request.
– David
Many thanks sir,
I have done my best in trying to make contact.
Kind regards
David Bertie
Ray McCarley, an ancestor, reportedly played clarinet in “a Sousa band”. Can you suggest resources about these Sousa bands that were not part of the large commercial touring band? I would love to know more, and of course, would very much like to validate what I was told about Mr. McCarley. (He most likely played in a band in Texas or New Mexico.)
I appreciate your feedback
Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms. Davis,
The Sousa Band conducted by John Philip Sousa was the only professional touring concert band that had “Sousa” in its heading just as the other professional bands had their leader’s name such as Pryor, Conway, Creatore, etc. Many town or municipal bands at the time imitated Sousa’s programming style and gave “Sousa-type” concerts and I cannot image any self-respecting director would ever use Sousa’s name to head their organization while John Philip Sousa was alive. Having listed Texas and New Mexico as possible search areas for your ancestor, it’s best to subscribe to one of ancestry sites to help narrow your search and timeline. Perhaps if your ancestor was in the Navy during WWI, he may have played under John Philip Sousa’s direction if he was stationed at Great Lakes, Illinois. I believe old census records would be a great place to start if you haven’t tried this resource. Best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
I have a GG Father who played in the Sousa band, his name was John Padilla. Do you have any images or phots of him? Thank you?
K_deschine@yahoo.com
My late father told my siblings and I that his grandfather played in Sousa’s band. We have never searched for proof of this claim. I am hoping you can help. I could not find his name on the commercial touring band roster on this site so maybe he played in the touring bands at Great Lakes Naval Station. Can you help? Here is what we know of him:
George Poplawski (or Wojciech Poplawska)
Arrived on Ellis Island 11/14/1905. He was 39 years old on that date.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks.
Dear Mr. Poplawski,
I too, could not find your Grandfather’s name on currently available Sousa Band rosters. Perhaps he performed with another touring band at the time of Sousa? If your Grandfather was 39 years old in 1905, it is unlikely he was connected with the band at Great Lakes during World War I under Sousa’s direction as he would have been in his early 50s; unless he was stationed there when it opened in 1911. I ‘m sorry I could not have been of further assistance.
Good luck and best wishes with your research,
Barry Owen Furrer
I noticed a Eugene Bishop, cornet player. My teacher was a principal trumpet player in the Buffalo Philharmonic. Can you tell me if he is the same person?
He also was a principal trumpet player in the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
Dear Mr. Cicero,
After checking back issues of the Sousa Band Fraternal Society (SBFS) newsletter(s), I’m of the opinion your trumpet/cornet teacher is the same Eugene (J) Bishop that performed on the 1919-20 Sousa Band tour and in the Buffalo Philharmonic from 1941-1967. This is based on the following: (1) Mr. Bishop is listed as missing the 3rd annual SBFS dinner in NYC and being “from Buffalo;” (2) I’m in possession of Jay Sims’ original Sousa Band personnel roster from 1919-20 listing his address as “Auburn, NY” along with George Bishop; and (3) the SBFS newsletter from Feb. 1947 lists his address as “Williamsville, NY” which places him in the Buffalo area. As a former tubist, I’m curious to know if Ron Bishop who was principal tuba with Buffalo in 1960-61 was a relation of Eugene? I hope this information is helpful to you.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
My second cousin 2x removed, Stanley Lawton, baritone sax, 1892-1911, played in the Sousa’s band. I have a photo of him in his uniform. He was from Saint John NB and passed way in 1915 in Saint John, at the age of 56 years. I find little snippets about in him in various books.
Dear Ms. Bailey,
Thank you very much for sharing this information about your second cousin, Stanley Lawton. His years of Sousa Band service is impressive if not remarkable considering the time he lived in. I have a particular interest in the Sousa Band World Tour and am curious to know why Mr. Lawton, along with three additional band members left the tour on October 21st, 1911 following the final Los Angeles concert if known and you don’t mind sharing? His section mate, Al Knecht, even recorded in his diary that he purchased your cousin’s saxophone trunk on the same day. Also, Mr. Lawton is mentioned in both the Al Knecht and A.J. Garing diaries from the tour, the latter being in my possession which begs the question if he kept a diary of his travels? Thank you again for sharing this information about your cousin.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Dear Ms. Bailey,
In a follow-up to our previous correspondence, I have since acquired two artifacts that perhaps would be of interest to. They are an autographed photo of the Sousa Band saxophone section from 1894 as well as an 1892 autograph album from the Marine Band Spring Tour with his signature and date. I would be happy to share these with you by reaching out through this forum.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
I am looking for a William Brown, trombonist, who was in the band in 1893. I even have a photo of him with this date on the back. I was going to purchase Paul Bierley’s “The Incredible Band of John Philip Sousa”.
Has anyone purchased this book? Is is great??
Dear Ms. Brown,
While I would highly recommend Paul Bierley’s book for the wonderful resources it offers, I’m afraid you would be disappointed as Mr. Wm. Brown does not appear in the “all-time roster of Sousa’s Band.” You should know the roster while being impressive and extensive, is not 100% complete lacking documentation or resources that are no longer available. There is the possibility Mr. Brown played the 1st 1893 tour and/or perhaps the additional “off-tour” performances where personnel records are unavailable. The personnel roster from the 2nd 1893 tour lists Arthur Pryor, Marcus Lyon, and Ed Williams which was the familiar trombone corps throughout the 1890s. I hope this is of some help and best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
My humble apologies to MS. WINTERS for my recent senior moment faux pas!
Respectfully,
Barry Owen Furrer
Did any women ever play in a Sousa Band? My Dad played with Rex Rees in the Decatur (IL) HS band. The band, in 1924 when my Dad was born, made a very early recording of one of Sousas marches (I think) when a new “electrical” recording technology developed in Chicago by for better recordings by a man named Orlando Marsh, forming Autograph Records. They recorded mostly the latest Jazz stuff, not marches. Marsh came to Decatur to record my Dads band that had numerous Sousa marches in the repertoire.
Women were only included as featured soloists: voice, violin, harp, etc. No women were allowed in the band.
My uncle, Victor Welte, played for the Sousa Band for several years. While going thru family “treasurers” I have come upon several items that mIght be of interest to avid collectors of Sousa items. If you know of anyone that is interested please give them my name.
Dear Mr. Welte,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your Uncle Victor’s participation in the band of John Philip Sousa. I am a collector/researcher of Sousa artifacts and band member’s keepsakes and would be appreciative if perhaps we could connect thru Mr. Lovrien’s website. I have a particular interest in the Sousa Band Tour Around The World that your Uncle participated in and am curious if he kept a diary or notes, etc? Thank you very much and I do hope we can connect and come to terms you deem satisfactory. Should Mr. Lovrien be reading this, I consent to forwarding my contact info to Mr. Welte. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
My grandfather also played with Sousa during the summer of 1918. His name was Eugene O’Leary and he was a clarinet player from Lynn, MA. He worked in the GE in Lynn and during the summer shutdown he travelled as a musician. I had heard that there was also a Sam Harris from Lynn who also went with him that summer. There was a personalized autographed photo to my grandfather from Sousa in our family. I will see if I have a copy. I believe by grandfather’s hat from the Sousa band is also still in the family along with some other photos.
Dear Mr. O’Toole,
It is wonderful to know your Grandfather, Eugene O’Leary was a member of Mr. Sousa’s band on the summer tour (the only tour) of 1918 which ran from June 26th-September 8th concluding with a 22-day engagement at Willow Grove Park. Dr. Paul Bierley’s research lists him as playing Eb clarinet which is a tremendous credit to his artistry as Sousa was not a big fan of the Eb clarinet and used it sparingly and dropped it completely following the 1920 season. Yes, Samuel Harris, a Bb clarinetist was also on the 1918 tour with your Grandfather as well as playing most tours from 1912-1920. Mr. O’Leary was also a member of the Sousa Band Fraternal Society as was Mr. Harris who was listed at the time residing in Swampscott while your Grandfather’s address in 1945 was in West Lynn. Great to learn that some of his mementos while with Sousa’s Band have remained in your family.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Hello Barry, I finally got around to going through a lot of things I brought home from my mom’s house. I came across a photo of Sousa with 2 women, Margery Moody and Ruby Holder, dated 1918. Is there a way to upload that to you if interested. I may come across some other photos as well. Mark
Greetings Mark,
Thank you very much for the kind favor of your reply and follow-up! Your photo of Mr. Sousa, Marjorie Moody, and Ruby Helder most likely dates from mid-July to mid-August 1918 based on when these singers were engaged with the Band. I would be most appreciative to see any artifacts you wish to share and can be contacted at the email address below.
Thank you again and with kind regards,
Barry Owen Furrer
bfs43093@gmail.com
Was there a banjo player in Sousa’s band?
I thought that Frank Sturchio was a member of the band.
Dear Mr. Banda,
Thank you for your query regarding Frank Sturchio’s involvement with Sousa’s Band. I regret to inform you Mr. Sturchio does not appear on any known Sousa Band roster. Other resources to check are the U.S. Marine Band, the Great Lakes Naval Training Station Band during World War I, and Interlochen.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Dear Mr. Rosenbloom,
That’s a great question; however, the short answer is no, the banjo was not used in Sousa’s Band. Although a concert or military-style band, Sousa’s Band ranged in instrumentation from as few as 48 to a total of 76 musicians and frequently supported a violin soloist and on rare occasions in the 1890s, a violoncello. The concert harp was added as Sousa believed no wind instrument could replicate its sound. There was a famous banjo recording artist named Vess Ossman who recorded several Sousa marches on Berliner records around the turn of the last century as well as Sousa’s Band performing Louis Moreau Gottschalk’s “The Banjo.” These are the only banjo references I can recall that are linked to Sousa and/or his band. It is possible that musicians within the Sousa Band could play the banjo but to my knowledge was never featured.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
I am searching for the name of a trumpet player that played in Sousa’s Band. We believe his first name is Paul. He later moved to Kansas, and lived in or near Hutchinson, Kansas. I have played in the Hutchinson Municipal Band for many years. This trumpet player we are searching for played solos in between band numbers that we played at our weekly summer band concerts. This would have been probably in the 1960’s or 1970’s. He of course was a fabulous trumpet player. Any help in knowing his name would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Derroll E Bretz
Hutchinson, Kansas
Dear Mr. Bretz,
Unfortunately, there is no “Paul” listed by first name in any known Sousa Band rosters as playing cornet or trumpet; however, there are three gentlemen listed as ‘possible’ Sousa Band members at one time or another or perhaps members of the Great Lakes Naval Training Station Band under Mr. Sousa’s direction during The Great War. They are:
Paul James Dahm
Paul Herman Liehr
Paul J. Schenk
It should be noted these are only “possibles” and there was no instrument attached to these names according to Dr. Paul E. Bierley’s research, the source of this information.
Best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
J. Paul Schenk, my grandfather who played Euphonium, played with Sousa in the Navy Band during WWI. They had 19 trans-Atlantic voyages. He incorrectly list above as Paul J. Schenk. He was known as Paul, but his formal name was J. Paul Schenk.
Dear Mr. Wilcox,
Thank you very much for bringing this to my attention. The error is mine alone as your Grandfather’s name does in fact appear correctly in Paul Bierley’s book. My apologies to you, Sir, and to your Grandfather’s memory.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Dear Mr. Furrer,
Thank you for having been so giving of your knowledge. We have worked together before, and I wonder if you could contact me regarding some notes for the intro to a Boccavechia arrangement I have taken from his manuscript and plan to publish soon.
I also have some material that belonged to Henri Barron (clarinetist in the Sousa band 1920-24). My fond regards to you and your family
Casey (Casimir V. Jr) Bork
My high school band director, Herman Dean, was purported to have played clarinet with the JPS band. I don’t see his name in this list and cannot find a source for the book which has a more complete list. If you have that book available would you please look to see if Mr. Dean is listed among the band members please? Thank you, in advance, for your assistance.
Regards,
Charles Thomas
Dear Mr. Thomas,
Thank you for your query regarding Herman Dean and his possible connection to the band of John Philip Sousa. Currently, the only Dean listed is a one-time violin soloist Alice Dean who made a single appearance in 1909 and was not considered a regular touring member. Another possibility could be if Mr. Dean was a member of the Great Lakes Naval Training Station Band during WWI or perhaps a while a high schooler attending the National Music Camp at Interlochen or when his local HS band played along with Sousa’ Band during an intermission at one of Mr. Sousa’s concerts. I’m sorry that I could be of greater assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Is there any reference to August Paetzke being a member of Sousa’s band? My family says he was a musical arranger. His occupation is listed as a musician in 1914. So I’m guessing it’s around that time.
Kind Regards,
Lisa Becker
Atlanta, GA
Dear Ms. Becker,
At present, there is no known information connecting Mr. Paetzke to Sousa’s Band as musician, composer, or arranger. If he did arrange music for Sousa’s Band, arrangers were rarely if ever credited for their creations as printed programs typically listed only composers.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Hello. In the mid-1960s, my grandmother (in her 60s at the time) dated an older man for several years. He was in his 80s, and used to play his trombone for her. His name was Pat Ryan, and my grandmother used to tell me that he was in Sousa’s band.
Do you have any record of him?
Thanks!
Greetings Bill,
The name Pat Ryan does not appear on any known Sousa Band roster; however, based on the gentleman’s age in the 1960s, perhaps he was a member of The Great Lakes Naval Training Center Band under Mr. Sousa’s direction? Unfortunately, I am unaware if personnel records exist from this period unless you happen to have this trombone player’s name to search through Ancestry.com or another database.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Hello! I am trying to find any record of my great-grandfather, Roy Pistorius, playing under the direction of Sousa. Roy lived in Illinois (in the Blue Mound area) and played saxophone. If you can find him, that would be wonderful! Thank you for all of the extensive research you’ve done so far!
Greetings Annie,
Unfortunately, your great-grandfather, Roy Pistorius does not turn up on any known Sousa Band roster. Perhaps other avenues to explore would be if he spent time in the Navy during WWI where he may have played under Mr. Sousa’s direction if he was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. Other possibilities could be if he played in the University of Illinois band when Mr. Sousa was a guest conductor or another school band under his direction or perhaps going back even further to the U.S. Marine Band from 1880-1892. I’m sorry I couldn’t have been or more assistance to you and best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Do you have an email address for specific questions?
We have a page on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/johnphilipsousa/
I’m looking for my great great grandfather Alexander Boggio who played saxophone. If you’re able to find it on any roster that’d be amazing!
Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Hazen,
Unfortunately, there is no Alexander Boggio appearing on any known Sousa Band roster. If you believe he had a connection to John Philip Sousa, perhaps you should inquire at the U.S. Marine Band or the Naval Training Station at Great Lakes, Illinois; however, as he was your GGGF perhaps the timeline for service during WWI would not fit. If he was of Italian extraction, perhaps he played in one of the great bands of either Creatore, Vessalla, or the Banda Rosa under Sorrentino?
Best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
I was told that Edward John Mosher played in the band. Do you have any record of this
Dear Krista,
At present, there is no Edward John Mosher appearing on any known Sousa Band database or personnel roster. The name coming closest to your query is Sepp Morscher, instrument and date(s) of Sousa Band service unknown according to Paul Bierley. Perhaps Mr. Mosher played in the Great Lakes Naval Training Station Band under Mr. Sousa’s direction during WWI? Unfortunately, this is one period of John Philip Sousa’s career needing further research. Another possibility is this gentleman performed under Mr. Sousa’s direction in a high school or college band setting either along with Sousa’s Band or during an intermission at a Sousa concert. I’m sorry I couldn’t have been of further assistance to you and best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
We were told my husband’s great grandfather played with Sousa. He played one of the brass instruments. His name was John William Naughton or Norton. He was from England and lived in Philadelphia in 1880 census. I have not been able to locate his name and would love it if someone knows of him. Many thanks in advance.
Dear Ms. Burgin,
You have probably discovered there is no Naughton or Norton appearing on any Sousa Band roster; however, Mr. Sousa did recruit many Philadelphia musicians for his initial civilian band of 1892 and Dr. Bierley’s research indicates there were three brass players unaccounted for in the horn, euphonium, and tuba sections for the second short tour that fall. It would be helpful to know how old he was in 1880 and as Mr. Sousa became director of the US Marine Band that year, perhaps he was a member of that organization or Patrick Gilmore’s Band? I wish I could have been of greater assistance to you and best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
I was raised hearing that my great uncle was with John Phillip Sousa band in some way. Frederick Livingston. Do you have any listings for him. Thank you
Dear Barb,
Thank you for your query regarding Frederick Livingston. Yes, Mr. Livingston was a clarinetist in Sousa’s Band as well as his brother, Clarence; however, his year(s) of Sousa Band service are not well documented unlike your great uncle Clarence who served from 1906-11 and again in 1923-24. I have one original photograph of both brothers donning their Sousa Band uniforms so it can be safely assumed Fred was in Sousa’s Band from 1906-1910 as he was not on the World Tour from Dec. 24th, 1910-Dec. 10th, 1911. Fred was a very active musician in the Marathon/Ithaca, NY region and for many years, performed in Patrick Conway’s Band as well as serving in a managerial position. He was also a featured soloist with Mr. Conway and saxophone soloist with Ed Chenette’s Band. A printed flyer from 1919 indicates he performed for troops during WWI in full Native American costume as Sergeant Mo-Hon-Ga, “the hand writing marvel.” He later organized “Livingston’s National High School Band” and was director of the Syracuse Conservatory of Music. The earliest record I have of him is from an 1895 concert program from the Cornell University Cadet Band where he is listed as “Eb Clarinet” under Conway’s direction. While I have a few pieces of memorabilia connected to your great uncle Fred, I have a substantial collection of ephemera pertaining to Clarence, especially from his time while on the World Tour which I would be willing to share with you if interested. Perhaps Mr. Lovrien, who maintains this site can connect us as I have no objections to sharing my email address.
I hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Charles Boschek is listed as clarinetist from 1926-27 from your data. He told me he played in Sousa’s band when I took saxophone lessons from him in the late 1960’s, early 70’s in Valparaiso, Indiana and always wondered if it was true. Lovely man and was still a great player later in his life. Thank you for researching and keeping records on this.
Dear Ms. Gaines,
Thank you for your recent post regarding Charles Boschek. According to Dr. Paul Bierley’s research, Mr. Boschek played Bb clarinet during a portion of the 1925-26 tour and based on an original Sousa Band roster from 1925 in my possession, he lived at 5234 Honore Street, Chicago, Il. Sousa Band Fraternal Society rosters from the 1970s has him residing at 240 Ruth Street, Calumet City, Il. up to his passing in February, 1975. I hope this information was helpful.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
I studied saxophone with Mr. Boschek at his home on Ruth Street in Calumet City from the 1960s until 1970. He was a fine musician and a great teacher. He was key to making me the player that I ultimately became.
My mother related to me her father, Andrea Corleto played the Sousaphone in one of Sousa’s bands/orchestras. I s there a way this can be confirmed. Thanks
Greetings James,
Thank you for your query. At present, there are no records indicating Mr. Corleto played sousaphone in the Band of John Philip Sousa. Perhaps he was a member of The Great Lakes Naval Training Center Band under Mr. Sousa’s direction during WWI? Another possibility is he performed under The March King as a high schooler when Sousa’s Band visited his town as often he would direct the local HS band during the intermission of a Sousa concert or if he attended Interlochen or played in a university band.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Hi! I’m doing some local research and a well known resident of our town, Coal City, IL, is said to have played with Sousa’s band. You have a William Somerset listed as playing clarinet. This man’s name was William Somerville. Is it possibly a misprint? I was hoping to learn when/where he may have played. Any help you can give would be appreciated. He later became an aviator and mayor of our town.
Greetings Jennifer,
Despite reading the Wikipedia article on Mr. Somerville and searching all known rosters and sources for Sousa Band musicians, I regret to inform there is no “William Somerville”appearing anywhere. This search includes the 2006 doctoral dissertation by Jesse Daniel Krebs that included both clarinet soloists and section players and yielded neither gentleman. Quite frankly, after reading Mr. Somerville’s biography and with all of his business dealings, mayoral duties, contributions to the aviation industry, etc., I don’t know where he would have found the time to tour with the Band of John Philip Sousa. I am curious to know where the author of the Wikipedia article found information connecting both Mr. Somerville and Sousa’s Band? I’m sorry I could not have been of more assistance.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
I believe my great, great grandfather, William Naumann, played in the Sousa Band.
He was born in 1869 and passed in 1939. He lived his entire life in New York City (Bronx).
The only evidence I have – besides family lore – is a copy of his obituary from 1939.
From that obituary: “Naumann, once a member of John Philip Sousa’s band, had played in many Bronx theatres, including the Royal, Fordham, and Miner’s. He was a member of Local 802, American Federation of Musicians.”
Oh, and I’ve been informed he played trombone.
Any record of him?
Greetings Sage,
Thank you for your query regarding your GGGF, trombonist William Naumann. Currently, there is no supporting documentation that places Mr. Naumann in Sousa’s Band and as he was born in 1869, would make him in his late 40s and most likely ineligible to serve in the Great Lakes Naval Station Band under Mr. Sousa’s direction during WWI. This does not mean of course that he did not play at one time under John Philip Sousa as not all rosters are complete or 100% accurate as musicians were hired mid-tour or mid-season due to any number of circumstances as some records were misplaced, lost, or destroyed. As Mr. Naumann passed in 1939, he never had the opportunity to join the Sousa Band Fraternal Society, formed in the 1940s and comprised of former Sousa Band members which has been a wonderful source for queries such as yours. I’m sorry that I could not have been of further assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Mr. Furrer,
Wasn’t there a man named Benjamin Hudish who played the French Horn with the Sousa band at one time?
Dear Mr. Gierszewski,
Thank you for your query regarding Mr. Hudish. Yes, Benjamin Hudish performed french horn in Sousa’s Band for two seasons – 1912 and 1913. I am fortunate to have several snapshots and real photo postcards of Sousa Band members from Mr. Hudish’s tenure with the Sousa Band inscribed to him and based on these warm and jovial sentiments, he was well-respected and fun-loving individual! Following Sousa’s Band, ‘Ben, “Benne,” or ‘Benny’ as he was affectionately known, enjoyed a long musical career which included the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, several NYC theater orchestras including Radio City as well as the NY Symphony and Detroit Symphony Orchestras. He was a longtime member of the Sousa Band Fraternal Society and holds the distinction of being the youngest horn player accepted into Sousa’s Band and as the story goes, auditioned for Mr. Sousa over the telephone while receiving his horn lesson from another great Sousa hornist, Herman Hand. Mr. Hudish passed in 1991 months shy of his 100th birthday.
I hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Dear Mr. Gierszewski,
I neglected to mention in my previous reply the Sousa Band roster posted here is from the 1957 book, “The March King & His Band” by Kenneth Berger. It was an early attempt to document all known Sousa Band members while Paul Bierley’s 2006 volume “The Incredible Band of JPS,” affords an expanded appendix of his 50+ years of research and features 1200+ individuals from musicians, management, secretaries, etc., including Mr. Hudish.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
My grandmother had told me that her father had played in Sousa’s band. His last name was Bruder; I don’t know his instrument. He was born in Germany. Can you confirm this and perhaps give me his first name?
Dear Mr. Brennan,
Thank you for your query regarding your great-grandfather’s participation in Sousa’s Band. At present, there are no existing records indicating a “Bruder” performed with Sousa’s civilian band. Perhaps your next step should be to contact the US Marine Band to see if that name surfaces on any of their rosters during Mr. Sousa’s tenure. I’ve recently done research on the 1892 spring tour of the Marine Band and his name does not appear so this narrows the gap ever so slightly from 1880-1891. Best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Hello! I’m researching E. J. Fitchhorn, who is somewhat of a local celebrity in my town. He played french horn in Sousa’s band sometime before WWI. Is there a way I can find what year he performed with the band? It would really help my research!
Greetings Dana!
According to Dr. Paul Bierley’s research, Elver (E.J.) Fitchhorn played french horn in Sousa’s Band from January 23rd – March 10th, 1917 which certainly fits your timeline. It is not mentioned why his tenure was so short; however, the US entering The Great War that April may have had something to do with it as well as Mr. Sousa enlisting (at age 62!) on May 11th to train the bands at Great Lakes. Dr. Bierley also mentions Mr. Fitchhorn being a US Army bandmaster overseas, a member or director of a Redpath Chautauqua circuit orchestra, and a HS band director in Delaware, Kenton, and Mt. Gilead, OH being named one of the 10 best HS band directors in the US by School Musician magazine in 1936. He is credited for inventing the saxette, a precursor to the school flutophone or tonette. I hope this information is helpful and best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
I purchased a gold plated trumpet from an elderly woman in Santa Cruz , California, many years ago.
I was probably 15 years old at the time. She told me that she played with the Souza band.
Unfortunately I can not recall her name, but, somehow I think it may have been YORK.
The case was plastered with stamps from all the places she had been with the band.
Does anyone have a recollection of a woman trumpet player in the Souza band?
I am trying to see if it is possible to get the trumpet to her family.
Dear Mr. Belshaw,
Thank you for your query. Typically, female soloists with Sousa’s Band were vocalists and violinists while early on, there were one or two violoncellists featured. The Band carried a female harpist from about 1920-21 – 1931. There were no women ‘section’ musicians and I can recall only one instance when the famous female bandleader and cornet virtuosa, Helen May Butler, dubbed the “Female Sousa,” led Sousa’s Band in one of her own compositions; however, I’m unsure if she soloed with the Band. If this woman remained in Santa Cruz all of her life, perhaps the following scenario makes more sense: Sousa’s Band played one concert in Santa Cruz in 1928 and in many cases, the local HS band was invited at intermission to “sit in” for one march under Mr. Sousa’s direction. This accounts for numerous folks over the years stating “I played in Sousa’s Band.” I cannot account for all the luggage labels applied to the instrument case unless it may have been passed down through her family. Also, is it a trumpet or a cornet, the brand, and serial number? There is no “York” in the Sousa Band personnel database.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Thank you very much for your kind reply. I think I will search the Santa Cruz archives to find this person. The trumpet is a gold plated Holton , ser #75994
Again, thanks
Dear Mr. Belshaw,
It was my pleasure. According to the Holton Loyalist site, the serial number dates your trumpet between 1929 [63550] and 1930 [105200]. Best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Was there ever a man by the last name of Tice in the band.
Dear Mr. Aronhalt,
At present, there is no musician named “Nice” appearing on any Sousa Band roster.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Apologies – “Tice” dang this auto-correct!
I am looking for information on William R. Smith. He played with the Sousa Band. Not sure of the exact dates- possibly around 1890.
Dear Ms. Smith,
At present, there is no William R. Smith appearing on any Sousa Band roster. If 1890 is accurate, Mr. Sousa was still leader of the US Marine Band until July, 1892.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Thank you for checking for me. Mary Smith
I was told that my great-grandfather played clarinet in Sauza’s famous marching band. His last name was Holtschlag. The only name close to that was Wally Holt. Could the name have been shortened?
Dear Mr. Higgins,
Yes, there was a Walfred “Wally” T. Holt that played clarinet in Sousa’s Band on both 1928 and 1929 tours. He was also a member of the Sousa Band Fraternal Society.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Dear Mr. Higgins,
In addition to my earlier reply of January 14th, I have come across a piece of correspondence from your great-grandfather to Sousa Band personnel manager and trombonist, Jay. G. Sims seeking employment. Ironically, it is dated the day prior to the start of the final tour of Sousa’s Band. Its contents is as follows:
1323-11th St.
Rockford, Ill
Aug. 28th, 1931
Mr. Jay G. Sims
1451 Broadway
New York
Dear Mr. Sims,
I have been wondering if there are any prospects of a tour with the band this fall. Things have been breaking rather tough so I hope there may be at least a short trip for me. Would appreciate a line if you find time.
Yours very truly,
Walfred J. Holt
My name is Chris Smith:
I play in a reenactment band in New Mexico. It is Rumored that one of the Band Directors at Albuquerque High School was a member of the Sousa band after he retired from the Sousa band. Also Rumored that Sousa himself came to visit the afore mentioned director was teaching at Albuquerque High.
Given that thin info, is there any chance of identifying the band director (nobody around here is old enough to remember)?
And, is there any chance of placing a date on Sousa’s visits to New Mexico?
Thank you for any help.
Dear Mr. Smith,
Thank you very much for your query. When the Sousa Band Fraternal Society (SBFS) was formed in 1944-45, their initial roster of former Sousa musicians included one name from New Mexico – Wm. M. Kunkel. Mr. Kunkel was a flutist and occasional soloist from 1921-24 and upon his departure, he held the following positions in Albuquerque: conductor of the University of NM Band(s); Ballut Alyad Shrine Band; Civic Symphony; and Municipal Band. There are eleven listings for him within the pages of the SBFS newsletters from 1945-1978 and unfortunately, none mention any involvement with Albuquerque High School.
Sousa’s Band made seven appearances in Albuquerque from 1897-1928 with the Nov. 13th, 1928 matinee and evening performances taking place in the gymnasium armory at UNM. Perhaps it was on this visit that Mr. Sousa visited Mr. Kunkel and his students as he was very interested and supportive of high school and college band programs. Besides the Sousa Band appearances in Albuquerque, they also performed in Clovis (1928); Raton (1909); and Santa Fe (1902, 1909).
Unfortunately, the SBFS newsletters have never been indexed other than musician’s names as a search topic so unless the specific player is known, finding additional references, etc., is tedious and time consuming.
I hope this information is useful and best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Thank you for this great information on Sousa band members. Although Mierley and Berger do not seem to mention this, I have found some evidence that cello players were sometimes either part of the band, or at least performed solos on concerts of the band. I am referring specifically to cellist Cornelia Appy. In ads ca 1914 for her own orchestra, Appy is described variously as Sousa’s favorite cellist and (former) soloist with his band.
I would be most grateful for any further information on Appy’s years and roles in the Sousa band, or any suggestions on where to look.
Dear Mr. Dean,
Thank you very much for your query. Yes, on some rare occasions Mr. Sousa did feature a cello soloist; however, Ms. Appy does not appear on any available list of Sousa personnel as you stated. My suggestion would be to check the Sousa Band Press Books available online at the U.S. Marine Band site. Since you have 1914 as a reference, best to start there and work your way backwards.
Ironically, there was a cello soloist (Leontine Gaertner) on the same program in May of 1897 that also premiered Sousa’s “The Stars & Stripes Forever.” I’m fortunate to possess the original Sousa Library Catalog as well as all handwritten lists of additional repertoire added from 1918-1930 and there are very few works for solo cello. Two works of David Popper enjoyed some sporadic hearings from 1897-1916 as well as a concerto by Galterman lacking specific performance dates. Some unidentified cello music was added to the library in 1925 but no titles were recorded.
I have a prudish theory as to why the cello was featured so infrequently vs. violin performances with the Sousa Band – the seating position of the player considering the times in which they lived. Also, it is possible the higher range of the violin would carry better with band accompaniment vs. the cello but I’m only guessing. Another frequent solo feature of Sousa’s Band was the euphonium aka ‘the cello of the band’ and with an endless supply of virtuosos of this instrument, perhaps Mr. Sousa saw little need for the cello?
I hope this is helpful and best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Hello, I decided recently to go down my family tree through legal documents and records. I wasn’t well informed of family past my great grandfather Elco Herman Oostendorp. Well I found through old records that his father Herman Elco Oostendorp’s youngest brother Eilko Oostendorp was drafted and enlisted in the Navy and the little records known and what family said was that he was in Sousa’s band at the Great Lakes Naval Station Band but nothing more and I was shocked. In my Great Great Grandfather’s descendants we only really started having musicians in the family recently as most of his descendants don’t acknowledge the rest of the family in our tree since Great Grandpa died making it nearly impossible for me to ask them for any information on it. Essentially the only musicians in the family I knew were my immediate Uncles and Aunts and my father. And I myself grew up in band going from Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, and Tuba in my school years with my few musician family members supporting my music. To find out that a Great Great Uncle performed with Sousa possibly is very exciting to me. I understand that you may not know or have the records but if you do I would be ever so grateful if you would let me know what you do or don’t find. Thank you.
Dear Ms. Oostendorp,
Thank you very much for your query regarding your Great Great Uncle Eilko Oostendorp and his possible connection with the Great Lakes Naval Station Band under Mr. Sousa’s direction. Unfortunately, this is one period of Mr. Sousa’s career lacking in-depth research and it is my understanding that many of the records from this period have been lost or destroyed. It still may prove worthwhile to reach out to the naval base as perhaps someone can direct you to an archivist or database. Another source would be Ancestry.com as finding military records for your G-G-U may indicate his position or duty. I am fortunate to have three panoramic photos of Lt. Sousa’s Great Lakes Bands; however, the faces of the musicians are so minute that it would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack! Do you happen to the know the instrument he played? This would help narrow the search area within the photos. I’m sorry I couldn’t have been of more help to you and best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
In the roster of Sousa’s band, my grandmother Bertha Bucklin is listed incorrectly as a vocalist. She was, in fact, a violinist, NOT vocalist.
Dear Mr. Chase,
Thank you very much for bringing this error to light and for providing your Grandmother’s obituary in a separate post. The roster appearing in Mr. Berger’s 1957 book was an early attempt at best of a compilation of known Sousa Band members and soloists and unfortunately, is full of inaccuracies, case in point. If it is any consolation, your Grandmother’s information is correctly listed in the late Paul Bierley 2006 opus, “The Incredible Band of John Philip Sousa” on page 201, appendix 2 – All-Time Roster of Sousa’s Band. As a serious collector and researcher of Sousa memorabilia and ephemera, you may be interested to know I am in possession of a book gifted to Mr. Sousa from your Grandmother and her soprano touring counterpart, Miss Blanche Duffield in 1901 as well as Mr. Sousa’s handwritten thank you letter to Duffield that mentions your Grandmother as well as numerous concert programmes listing her as soloist. I would be happy to provide you with copies if interested. Also, I would be very interested if you happen to have any family stories or lore from your Grandmother’s time in Sousa’s Band as well as viewing any momentos if you be so inclined to share.
It is wonderful to learn of your Grandmother’s involvement with the band of John Philip Sousa!
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Corrected, thanks.
I am trying to research a man who has ties to our small Community in rural Illinois and I believe he was a bass player in John Philip Sousa’s band when they played at the Columbian Exhibition in 1893. I would appreciate any information that you may have. His name was John Joseph Pierce and I believe he went on to later perform with the Metropolitan Opera in New York. I would really love to have a photograph of him if possible.
Dear Ms. Benson,
Thank you very much for your query regarding Mr. Pierce. According to Dr. Paul Bierley’s research, John “Jack” Pierce played tuba on the 1929 and 1930 radio broadcasts as well as the March , 1931 recording. By all accounts, he did not actually tour with Sousa’s traveling band perhaps due to his other professional commitments with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Arthur Pryor’s and Patrick Conway’s Band thus making photos of him more difficult to locate. His name does appear in the “In Memoriam” section of the initial membership directory of the Sousa Band Fraternal Society published in May of 1945. Sadly, only one roster exists from 1893 and it’s from the second tour exclusive of the Sousa Band engagement at the Columbia Exposition and as Mr. Pierce’s association with Mr. Sousa comes some 35+ years later, it seems improbable he was with the Band in 1893. Best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
I have been researching my late husband’s family history. My husband’s great uncle was Herbert Gallamore who was married to Freda (Becker) Gallamore who was the daughter of Rudolph Becker. I have no pictures of him other than an old newspaper clipping taken in
taken in 1950. Freda actually died the same year as her father Rudolph Becker so I never knew her. After Freda’s death Herbert lived with my husband’s grandmother (his sister). They had no children so I have the family pictures that were left. I have several pictures of Freda and I only wish I had a picture of Rudolph Becker. I find it so interesting that he was the last surviving member of the original Sousa Band.
Dear Ms. Gardner,
Thank you very much for your query regarding Rudolph Becker as it is fascinating to learn of your family connection to Rudolph Becker and to Sousa’s Band! Mr. Becker had another daughter Elsa, who in 1960 wrote to the Sousa Band Fraternal Society (Mr. Becker was a founding member in 1945), mentioning his upcoming 95th birthday as well as some Sousa reminisces. By the next issue of the Sousa Band Fraternal Society newsletter in July, 1962, he is listed in the “In Memoriam” section. I am a serious collector and researcher of Mr. Sousa and his famous band and I believe I can assist you with your request. In addition, Elsa Becker donated the remaining portion of her Father’s music collection to the U.S. Marine Band in 1979 so they would be another resource to explore. Please do not hesitate in contacting me if I can be of further assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
bfs43093@gmail.com
Dear Mr Furrer, Thank you for all of your research. My grandfather was reputed to play with Sousa’s band. His name was Morris Isaac Sherman. Thanks for any information you can give me.
Joan Gilbert
Dear Ms. Gilbert,
Thank you for your kind words; however, the bulk of the in-depth Sousa research credit goes to the late Dr. Paul E. Bierley and currently; Dr. Patrick Warfield. My expertise comes from the study, collecting, and preservation original artifacts and memorabilia.
Sadly, your Grandfather does not appear on any known Sousa Band roster and depending on his age during Mr. Sousa’s professional career, may I offer some additional possibilities? Service during Sousa’s Marine Band tenure (1880-1892); service during WWI under Mr. Sousa’s direction while leading the Great Lakes Naval Training Station Band; performing as a high school or college student under his direction either at a Sousa Band concert, Interlochen, or a guest conducting appearance, etc. Over the years I’ve read numerous obituaries where the decedent had “played with/under Sousa/Sousa’s Band and the most common occurrence was Mr. Sousa leading a high school band during the intermission of a Sousa Band concert.
I’m sorry I couldn’t have been of more assistance to you and best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Dear Susan,
I believe we can help each other here. I am a descendant of Rudolph Becker and I do have photos of him. In contrast, I got almost no information about Freda and got stuck when researching the family tree. I would be happy to talk to you and share some data.
martybaker@e.mail.de
Dear Ms. Gardner,
In a follow-up to your original query and my reply of 4/17/22, I have recently come into possession of some images and other material pertaining to Mr. Becker that I would be happy to share with you if still interested. Also, continue to scroll down is see the response from Martin Becker on 5/5/23, a Becker descendant who is willing to assist you.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
bfs43093@gmail.com
I have always been told that my grandfather Joseph Frederick Weiler played piccolo for John Phillips Sousa band, I believe it was in his machine band, but i do not find any records of it here or other places. Any ideas if this family story is true? He played many instruments so I really am not sure.
Dear Mr. Weiler,
Thank you for your query regarding your Grandfather Joseph Frederick Weiler’s possible involvement in Sousa’s Band. Unfortunately, he does not appear in the most recent all-time roster compiled by the late Paul E. Bierley; however, he may have performed under Mr. Sousa’s direction in The Great Lakes Naval Station Band during WWI, The U.S. Marine Band, or perhaps as a high school student while attending the National Music Camp at Interlochen in 1930 or 1931.
I’m sorry that I cannot be of further assistance and best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Hello,
According to family lore, my great-grandfather Augostino Benvenuto Barbieri played Euphonium in the Sousa Band, circa 1905. I do not see his name on the rosters above; does he appear in any other of your records.
We have an old photograph that supposedly shows him posing with his instrument in his Sousa Band uniform that I can share, if it helps.
Dear Mr. Barbieri,
Thank you very much for your query re: your GGF, Augostino Benvenuto Barbieri and his possible involvement with the band of John Philip Sousa. Unfortunately, the roster listed on this website was an early attempt (1950s I believe) to document former members of Sousa’s Band and is in no way complete and at times inaccurate. Sadly, his name does not appear in the much more recent and heavily researched volume by Dr. Paul E. Bierley; however, there are a couple of years around 1905 that are incomplete or unknown so it is possible. Coincidentally, in 1905, Sousa’s Band carried two fine euphonium players of Italian extraction – John Perfetto and Pasquale Funaro. Soloists before and after 1905 included Joseph Raffayolo, Simone Mantia, and Jospeh DeLuca. I would enjoy seeing your photograph and have included my email address below. Another thought occurred to me that perhaps he was a member of Giuseppe Creatore’s Band as many of the traveling concert bands of this era had similar looking military-style uniforms? Thank you again for reaching out as I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
bfs43093@gmail.com
My great grandfather is said to have played in the Sousa band. He was also an arranger for Sousa. When he died in 1922, all his papers were return to the Sousa band. He was Antonio Natiello. He was also in the US Italian Navy Band and toured the world. He also played in his son’s orchestra. He died the same year his son died. Ernesto Natiello was killed in the collapse of the Knickerbocker Theater in Washington D.C. The snow storm that collapsed the theater is called the Knickerbocker storm.
I would love to know more about Antonios time with Sousa. Seems to be nothing I can find about that time.
Dear Mr. Barkas,
Thank you for your query re: your GGF, Antonio Natiello and his possible connection to Sousa’s Band. At present, there are no records indicating he was a member or arranger for Sousa; however, that does not mean he wasn’t at some point of his career as there are gaps in some of the Band’s history. I’m curious to learn what ‘all his papers’ entailed when they were returned to the Band which would indicate some connection to that organization? Do you know what instrument(s) he played and/or his time of service in the Navy Band? Perhaps he played under Sousa while at the Naval Training Station at Great Lakes, Illinois during WWI? What a sad and tragic story about Ernesto even it took place over 100 years ago.
I’m sorry I couldn’t have been of greater assistance to you and best wishes with your research.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Hello Mr Furrer my great grandfather Giacomo Forte from Italy played in JPS orchestra belief he played tuba . I didn’t see his name on your list is it possible for you to tell me if it was missed .
Dear Mr. Carlone,
Thank you very much for your query regarding your GGF Giacomo Forte and his possible participation in Sousa’s Band. The posted list on this website was an early attempt (1957) to compile known musicians connected with the Sousa Band and is far from complete. More recently, the fastidious research of the late Dr. Paul E. Bierley brings approx 1200 names to light with definite ties to the Sousa organization; sadly however, Mr. Forte does not appear. Bierley’s research while painstakingly impressive also has some gaps in certain years as some business and personnel records have been lost to the ages. In the interim, may I offer these other possibilities: 1) perhaps he was a member during those year(s) of missing records; 2) played under JPS while director of the US Marine Band (1880-1892); 3) played under JPS while director of Great Lakes Naval Training Center Band during WWI; 4) played in another famous traveling band with Sousa associations such as Arthur Pryor, Patrick Conway, Liberati, Creatore, etc? I wish I could have been the bearer of better news and good luck with further inquiries into your great-grandfather’s musical past.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Hello, I am so pleased to find the Roster of the Sousa Band!
My Aunt was Ruth Bell Rankin. Her brother was William J Bell, who was the principal tuba for the band from 1921 – 1924.
Both were born in Creston, Iowa.
Coincidentally, Meredith Willson, flute, was also in the band from 1921 – 1923. He too was born in Iowa — Mason City, which was the inspiration for the Music Man.
I would love to know if they were chums during their time together in the band!
Thank you!
Patty
Dear Ms. Rankin Anderson,
Wow, this is wonderful to learn about William J. Bell – thank you for sharing! Their professional relationship pertaining to Sousa’s Band would require more of a deep dive into the Sousa Band Fraternal Society (SBFS) newsletters; however, I have no doubt this pair also being the youngsters in the band at the time, were as thick as thieves! Their post-Sousa careers also place them in the NY Philharmonic although I’m unsure if they were there at the same time. Unfortunately, Mr. Willson’s 1948 memoir “And There I Stood With My Piccolo’ does not mention him after a quick skim-through although he does mention tubist Fred Geib. I’m fortunate to have a photo album that belonged to flutist George Ford who was in the band with both your Uncle Bill and Meredith Willson; however, they never appear in the same snapshots together as Meredith’s young bride apparently traveled with him! I have some wonderful images of Mr. Bell if you would like copies as well as the Willow Grove Park program where he appears as sousaphone soloist. I’m sure there is a wealth of material in the SBFS newsletters which will require more time to check. I have included by email if you wish to correspond and thank you again for reaching out! If memory serves, I recall a story when their train had a water or whistle stop, they would exit the car and chase each other around the train and hop back on before it starting rolling again!
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
bfs43093@gmail.com
Hello, my name is Kevin Cameron. My Great Uncle, Walter H Cameron played in the band from 1926-1931, He played the coronet. I would appreciate any information that anyone could provide.
Dear Mr. Cameron,
It’s wonderful to learn that your great uncle Walter H. Cameron was a member of Sousa’s Band! Based on Paul Bierley’s research and band business records of Jay Sims in my personal collection, Mr. Cameron played a portion of the 1925-26, all 1926, 1929, and portions of the 1930, and the 1931 tours with Sousa’s Band. On the handwritten rosters in the Sims collection, your uncle’s addresses also appear. He would be in the 1926 Steel Pier and 1929 Independence, KS band photos, possibly the 1930/31 Steel Pier, and perhaps some of the infamous 1929 train wreck images as well. He was also a member of the 111th US Army Band during The Great War as well as the conductor of the Carnegie, PA school bands. I would be happy to share with you any of the materials I have pertaining to Mr. Cameron and can be reached at the address below.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
bfs43093@gmail.com
I was a student of Henry (?) in 1952. He was retired and living and teaching privately on Long Island, New York. I don’t remember his last name but I know he was a trumpet player in Sousa’s Band. Can you help?
Dear Mr. LoSasso,
Thank you very much for your query regarding your former trumpet teacher who was associated with Sousa’s Band. Based on the name and date provided, perhaps it was Henry Schueler, who played in the Sousa Band during the 1921 and 1922 tours as well as part of the 1930 and the short (and final) 1931 tour? He was one of three Schueler brothers who trouped with Sousa with the others; John, trombone; and William, clarinet. The only other Henry who was a cornetist is longtime soloist Henry Higgins who predates Mr. Schueler’s tenure by approximately thirty years.
I hope we have located your former trumpet teacher. I am curious to know if he happened to share any stories from his days on the road with Sousa’s Band? Thank you!
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
Do you have any record of an F. M. Crawford from San Antonio, Texas? I found a Sousa band hat with his name listed inside the hat.
Dear Mr. Bowen,
Thank you very much for your query regarding F(rancis) M(arion) Crawford. Yes, Mr. Crawford, a clarinetist, was a member of Sousa’s Band on the 1923-24 tour and later, was connected with various shrine band in the San Antonio area. He was also a longstanding member of the Sousa Band Fraternal Society and kept the semi-annual newsletters going in later years serving as editor. Mr. Crawford was on tour in January, 1924 when Sousa’s Band performed at Beethoven Hall in San Antonio which must have been a huge thrill for him to play for his hometown crowd!
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer
bfs43093@gmail.com
My grandfather played with the band Isaac Cohen. Do you have a record of that?
Dear Ms. Cohen,
Thank you for your query regarding your grandfather Isaac Cohen and his connection to John Philip Sousa and/or his band. Currently, there are no surviving records indicating Mr. Cohen’s involvement with the Sousa organization; however, if he served in the Navy during WWI, perhaps he played in the Great Lakes Naval Station Band under Mr. Sousa’s direction? Another thought would be checking with the U.S. Marine Band when Sousa was director from 1880-1892.
I’m sorry that I could not have been of greater assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Barry Owen Furrer