Basic Considerations

Consideration Points

Guest conductor or guest conductor and section leaders

If you have booked Marcus Neiman & The Sounds of Sousa Band option to bring Marcus Neiman in to guest conduct your ensemble, alone, or with section leaders.  The following information should provide you with necessary information to making your program success.

Basic considerations

John Philip Sousa was the most successful bandmaster of all time.  It was his "business" to entertain it was also his living.  Please keep in mind three concepts that are uniquely in keeping with the Sousa-Style concert:  (1) the concert is fast moving but must seem unhurried; (2) encores come unexpectedly during the concert as well as after (they happen immediately); and, (3) more music is presented and it is varied in nature.

Understanding Sousa

It is vital to the success of the program that every attempt be made to help the musicians and audience know Sousa. Sousa was a gentleman among gentlemen.  He was held in high esteem by his musicians and never criticized them openly.  Sousa paid very high salaries and still managed to die a wealthy man. He never "played down" to his audiences, but rather, worked diligently to elevate their musical tastes while entertaining them at the same time. Sousa loved his country with a passion, and a patriotic thought would often bring tears to his eyes.  He listed his occupation as "salesman of Americanism."

Using a narrator

Sousa did not use a concert narrator.  However, at a "Sousa-Style" a narrator is usually employed to "explain what is happening" to the audience. It is important to keep the narration to a minimum.  They should not be used after every number.  In general, narration should be used only to explain the purpose of the program, to explain why this concert will be different, and to introduce soloists and tell who they are emulating.  If you are providing a narrator, think about securing a radio or television personality or someone who has public speaking background. A script will be provided, based upon your unique program, approximately one month prior to the date of the performance.

Selection of music

In selecting the program, please keep in mind this quote of Sousa:

        I  learned very early in life that if musicians depended upon musicians for a living, there would be no musicians. The support of all art depends entirely upon those who love art for art's sake, and as music is universal, it becomes necessary to heed the wishes of the masses if one hopes to succeed.  It is not incongruous to me to see a comedy scene immediately following a tragic scene in Shakespeare or any other of the master dramatists, or laughter following tears in the romantic drama.  Therefore, as I have nature and the best examples of men as my champions, I have no hesitation in combining in my program clever comedy with symphonic tragedy, rhythmic march or waltz with sentimental tone pictures.

In short, strive to please your audience, not impress your colleagues; and, make sure the program has variety and contrast.  Sousa must be thought of as an entertainer, but he always managed to slip in a few classics in a persistent effort to upgrade America's tastes in music. Sousa was a showman of the first magnitude, capitalizing on music of the moment if he thought it would ring true with his audiences.  If a composition would have particular significance in a locality where the band was going to perform, such a piece by a local composer, he would make every effort to squeeze it into the program. Do not forget to consider the Sousa non-march music, like waltzes, fox trots, and dances.


When Sousa toured with his band, the usual soloists were performers on the cornet, trombone, or Euphonium.  There was always an attractive lady vocalist, and usually a lady violinist.  On some tours he used saxophone or xylophone soloists, depending upon on the artistry and renown of the performer. Please use amplification only if it is absolutely necessary.  Remember, microphones were not used at Sousa Band concerts, they had not been invented until late in Sousa's touring career.

Starting the concert

If a strictly "Sousa-Style" concert beginning is desired, keep in mind that the concert starts immediately after the conductor comes on stage. Sousa believed that punctuality was the politeness of kings, and if a concert was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., it started at precisely that hour. It is strongly recommended that the band not warm-up or tune on-stage.  The band members should enter in a quiet and dignified manner, from both sides of the stage if possible.  As soon as they are all seated, the conductor enters and the concert begins without delay.

Timing and continuity

At a Sousa Band concert, there was seldom more than 30 seconds between selections.  Sousa did not step down from the podium between numbers, nor did he milk applause by walking offstage and back. Counting encores, Sousa presented between 25 to 35 pieces on his formal concerts.  While this might be too long for a present day concert, the point is keep things moving.

Use of encores

Sousa's encores were not always marches.  They might well be popular tunes of the day.  The encore marches were almost always his own. Encores begin within 10 or 15 seconds after the preceding piece has been completed.  That's before the applause dies down. Sousa gauged the intensity of the applause.  If it was heavy, the encore was played; if not, the encore was not played. To let the audience know what the encores will be, consider having placards and an easel.  The easel would be placed at the edge of the stage (normally stage right).  As soon as the encore begins, a percussionist or someone backstage gracefully walks to the easel and places the placard on the easel. On the printed program, it is customary to add something like this, in small print:  "Encores will be selected from the following:"

A touch of patriotism

Consider the fact that you will be presenting a concert in the style of those presented by a man who expressed his love of country in a far more dramatic manner than any other American composer. The expression of patriotism could be anything from the conspicuous placement of flags to having a military color guard march in during "The Stars and Stripes Forever."  Use your imagination, this will be personally gratifying for all.


There was usually a trace of humor in each formal Sousa Band concert, but it was subtle.  Slapstick must be avoided at all costs. Please remember:  the humor must be subtle, with no clowning around.  If yours is a young band, you might ask the members to imagine they are eloquent, stuffy adult actors.

Ending the concert

All "Sousa-Style" concerts will end with "The Stars and Stripes Forever" march.  It is our national march and the effect on an audience is great. If at all possible, a large United States flag should be lowered over the band or an honor guard should bring the colors into the hall. It is vital that the piccolo(s), cornets, trombones, baritones, and tuba all have their part of the grandioso memorized.

The band's appearance

The band should be in uniform, with no hats.  Remember, Sousa's band wore black.  As a general rule, uniformity (whether uniforms or suits) should be the order of the day.  Men might wear suits and women long dresses (unless in uniform) if at all possible.  

Conductor Specific Information

Making the trip work!

If by car - If we are driving to your site, please provide us with complete address material for all sites (rehearsal, performance, and lodging) in advance.  Normally, we use the Internet and access MapQuest® to build our road trip.

If by plane - If we must fly to your site, we will make our own flight arrangements (coach class) and inform you of our carrier, gate number, arrival time, and flight number(s).  Please plan to have someone to meet us at the airport and return us to the airport at the completion of our stay.  It is essential that all ground transportation during the stay be arranged as well.

Hotel/Motel stay - If we are staying more than one day, arrangements for lodging must be made.  We will work with you to setup arrangements for our stay.  If Marcus Neiman is traveling alone, arrangements should be made in a Holiday Inn Express or Hampton Inn class motel.  In all cases, the presenter will provide us with the reservation confirmation number, address, city/zip, phone, Email (if available) and any other related information. 

Making rehearsals work! 

Please send us a copy of your band seating chart and a narrative on the strengths and weaknesses of your ensemble. 

Presetting the room - Please provide Marcus Neiman with the following: 

  • Tuning machine available to tune prior to rehearsal

  • Stool to use during rehearsal (no back, no shorter than 30”)

Small table with cold water and glass 

Rehearsal structure - All rehearsal times should be relayed to us as soon as that information is available to you.  Do everything you can to insure that all our members are present (and can remain present) for the entire rehearsal.  Rehearsals will start on time and end on time.  We have no problem with rehearsals being open to the public, or other band directors, or audio or video taped, as long as you advise us of those conditions. 


We have agreed upon a set honorarium and expenses.  We have agreed that the honorarium will be paid either prior to, immediately following, or mailed after, the performance.  Expenses will be billed and sent to you following the concert. 

Forming a Committee

To insure a successful presentation by Marcus Neiman & The Sounds of Sousa Band, we encourage you to form a committee to oversee our appearance.  The committee should include local media editors, publishers, and owners; executives of local electronic media; civic, social, and educational leaders; and, your local community band and school band directors. 

Promotional Materials

In order to save you time, we will prepare the following promotional materials:

Publicity Kits:  The fact sheets and other materials in the kits are general in nature allowing you to adapt them to your local needs.  The media representatives on your committee can help you do this.  Use these kits to inform news media, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals who can help promote the concert by word of mouth.

Biographical Sketches: You will be provided with biographical sketches and photographs of John Philip Sousa, Marcus Neiman, and (if available) soloists who will be featured at your site.  We will also attempt to provide you with the names of individuals in the band who are from your hometown.

Mayor's Proclamation - You may want to personally request the mayor to put his/her official influence behind this event to the people of the city by declaring the concert date “Marcus Neiman & The Sounds of Sousa Band Day” and publishing an official proclamation in the newspaper.  In some cases, the mayor may wish to make a formal presentation to the ensemble.  This is always greatly appreciated and he presentation can be scheduled during the concert.

Printed Programs - Obtaining a quality printed program is the responsibility of the presenter.  Camera ready material will be sent to you approximately three to four weeks prior to the program.  We encourage you to seek advertisement, sponsors, and patrons for your concert and program.  Please provide us with ten copies of the final program.