Sousapalooza

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):

Clarinet and saxophone players who join Sousapalooza this year will receive a free box of VENN synthetic reeds, courtesy of D’Addario.

Chicago, IL

Location: Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens (1801 S. Indiana Ave.)
Time: 6:00 pm

Join us this June 21st for Sousapalooza—the annual band instrument play-along event. Chairs will be provided, please bring your own stand or flip folder. Please arrive by 6 for set up.

Click Here to Register!
Download the Sousapalooza repertoire

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!

Huntsville, AL

Leader: Sue Holleran
Location: South Huntsville Public Library North Lawn,
7901-L Bailey Cove Road, Huntsville, AL 35802
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Click on the links above to download and print the music for the instrument/part you want to play. Then bring your music, your horn or percussion gear, a music stand, and a chair to the Library, and play with the band at 7:00 PM! There is no charge to participate. Of course, you’re also welcome to bring a lawn chair and just listen.

Contact: HuntsvilleConcertBand@outlook.com

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!

Portland, ME

Leader: Jeremy Fink
Location: Bell Buoy Park
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Be a part of Make Music Portland’s brass band scene by joining The Ideal Maine Social Aid and Sanctuary Band in a performance of Liberty Bell March. This was one of Sousa’s most famous marches, but you might know it better as the intro music to the TV classic Monty Python’s Flying Circus! Bring your own music stand. Download and print the sheet music above.

Contact: jfink2000@gmail.com

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