"The President's Own" United States Marine Band presents The Complete Marches of John Philip Sousa, a multi-year project to record and publish scores for all of Sousa's Marches. Sousa, known as "The March King," was director of the Marine Band from 1880 to 1892. Recording directed by Col. Jason K. Fettig. http://www.marineband.marines.mil/

In the late 1920s it became increasingly difficult for professional concert bands to find employment at amusement parks or expositions, even for a few days. As the engagements at Philadelphia’s Willow Grove Park were coming to an end, the Sousa Band was happy to extend its regular tour by playing at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey. They began regular seasons there in 1926, and Sousa penned this almost-forgotten march to celebrate their second annual engagement. The march was reportedly written at the suggestion of Atlantic City’s mayor, Anthony M. Ruffu. Sousa probably had the Miss America Pageant in mind; at that time it was known as the Atlantic City Beauty Pageant.

Paul E. Bierley, The Works of John Philip Sousa (Westerville, Ohio: Integrity Press, 1984), 41. Used by permission.

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Volume 6 playlist:    • The Complete Marches of John Philip S...