Since 2011, Make Music Chicago has pioneered the “Sousapalooza” – an invitation for hundreds of brass, wind, and percussion players to come together and sightread the music of The March King, John Philip Sousa.
After a couple of years off during the pandemic, Sousapaloozas return in 2022 in cities around the U.S. Download the music, bring your horn, and join the band!
Sample Sousapalooza Repertoire (click to download):
El Capitan
Fairest of the Fair
Hands Across the Sea
In Memoriam
Liberty Bell March
Manhattan Beach
Rolling Thunder
Semper Fidelis
Stars and Stripes Forever
The Thunderer
Washington Post March
Clarinet and saxophone players who join Sousapalooza this year will receive a free box of VENN synthetic reeds, courtesy of D’Addario.
Hartford, CT
Leader: Dan D’Addio
Location: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Please arrive no later than 5:15pm with your instrument, a music stand, and your scores. Limited sheet music will be available on-site, please bring your own, if you are able. The band will perform on the main stage, under a large white tent at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza. Chairs will be supplied by the park.
Contact: aroy@letsgoarts.org
Click Here to Register!
Nashville, TN
Location: Coleman Park
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Want to play some classic Sousa marches with friends and strangers? Sign up here to join, then dust off your old woodwind or brass instrument!
Lansing, MI
Conductor: Jimmy Edwards
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Contact: jedwards@marshallmusic.com
New York, NY
Conductor: Oscar Wiley Thorp
Location: Bryant Park, East Steps
Time: 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Please arrive no later than 3:30pm with your instrument, a music stand, and your scores to the Upper Terrace of Bryant Park (on the East Side of the park, abutting the library) and check in with producer Kathy Warren. Chairs will be supplied by the park.
Click Here to Register!
Sheboygan, WI
Leader: Emily Rendall-Araujo
Location: City Green
Time: 6:30 pm
Grab your music and instrument, and a chair and/or stand if needed to play comfortably, and head to City Green to join the band. We will convene at 6:30 pm and ask that you give yourself enough time to be ready at this time. Enjoy making music with friends and strangers of all ages and abilities!
Get your music here!
Contact: sheboygan@makemusicday.org
Wichita, KS
Leader: Brenda Rohr
Location: Naftzger Park. 601 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS.
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 pm
For the third year Senseney Music in Wichita, KS will be sponsoring Sousapalooza. To sign up to play, email Brenda at brohr@senseneymusic.com. Include your name, email address and instrument you play. Please arrive by 6:30. Check in with Brenda Rohr. Reed players are eligible to receive a free VENN Reed, compliments of D’Addario.
Contact: brohr@senseneymusic.com
Interested in starting your own Sousapalooza? Contact catherine@makemusicday.org.