UNCG Wind Ensemble Brings Sousa to Life Oct. 14-15

By Lanita Withers Goins , University Relations

Contact: (336) 334-3890

Posted 9-24-09

GREENSBORO, N.C. — You’ve heard “Stars and Stripes Forever,” the classic John Philip Sousa march that’s a part of the American soundtrack. But have you heard it from a band attired in early 20th century uniforms, led by a conductor dressed like Sousa himself?

Audiences will have that opportunity Oct. 14-15, when the UNCG Wind Ensemble presents “A Tribute to John Philip Sousa.” Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. event are $15 adults, $12 seniors and $8 for students. Tickets may be purchased by calling the University Box Office at (336) 334-4849 or online at boxoffice.uncg.edu.

Always a community favorite, the concert will look, feel and sound like those Sousa conducted during the early decades of the 1900s, complete with the university’s very own “Sousa,” UNCG Director of Bands Dr. John Locke. The UNCG Wind Ensemble presents the concert about once every five years, and has a history of standing-room only crowds.

“By a long shot, it’s the most popular event we have,” Locke said.

Dubbed “The March King” at the height of his popularity, Sousa refined the sounds of Americana with his patriotic marches and rapid-fire encores. He performed the world over, including several appearances in Greensboro.

“In the band field, Sousa is an absolute icon,” Locke said. “He’s a combination of an incredible composer, a visionary entertainer and an extremely patriotic American.”

“If you combine that with the fact that the touring Sousa band performed in Greensboro on six different occasions over a 30-year period, including a performance at Aycock Auditorium on our own campus, it just makes for an incredible opportunity for us to try to recreate that.”

For more information, contact the UNCG Band Office at (336) 334-5299.