Meet The Instruments
The Brass Family
The Sousaphone
The sousaphone (US: /ˈsuːzəfoʊn/) is a brass instrument in the same family as the more widely known tuba. Created around 1893 by J.W. Pepper at the direction of American bandleader John Philip Sousa (after whom the instrument was then named), it was designed to be easier to play than the concert tuba while standing or marching, as well as to carry the sound of the instrument above the heads of the band. Like the tuba, sound is produced by moving air past the lips, causing them to vibrate or “buzz” into a large cupped mouthpiece. Unlike the tuba, the instrument is bent in a circle to fit around the body of the musician; it ends in a large, flaring bell that is pointed forward, projecting the sound ahead of the player. Because of the ease of carrying and the direction of sound, it is widely employed in marching bands, as well as various other musical genres. Sousaphones were originally made out of brass but in the mid-20th century started to be made from lighter materials like fiberglass; today both types are in wide use.
The sousaphone is named after John Philip Sousa (1854-1932), who had early sousaphones made according to his specifications in the late nineteenth century.
Sousaphone Flight of the Bumblebee with Patrick Sheridan
Musical Fact Of The Week
Question
How old was Mozart when he started playing music?
Answer
Mozart was a child prodigy. His father—a talented violinist—taught him basic notes on the harpsichord. Mozart composed his first piece of music in 1761, at age five; by age six, he had performed before two imperial courts – relating to an empire or an emperor.
Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart
He is also known as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik – Mozart
Mozart ‘s Greatest Violin Piece
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,Violin Concerto No. 5 in A, 2nd Movement..
Riddle Of The Week
Question
There’s only one word in the dictionary that’s spelled wrong. What is it?
Answer
The word “wrong.” It’s the only word that’s spelled W-R-O-N-G.