Brendan started at Pepper in 2012 and currently works in the Marketing department as a copywriter. This latter fact is fully documented, both through Pepper publications from both 1895 and 1896, as well as the testimony of John Philip Sousa in the August 30, 1922 edition of the Christian Science Monitor. Back in the summer of 2012, I was visiting Interlochen with my family (I am an NMC alum, 1979, and was on staff at NMC, 1981, and IAA, 1984-86). 1876), still exists today— no longer as an band instrument Sousa felt that a wider, As you listen to Sousa's compositions, … © 2007-Present Sousaphone.net | Contact us | Site Add your answer and earn points. a much smaller bell, which was pointed upwards and slightly to It wraps around the marcher’s body, so it can be carried more easily. popular for school marching bands due to their lower cost and lighter The first and original sousaphone was made by C. G Conn. weight. That part of the story skips over 70 years from when the original Sousaphone mysteriously disappeared, to its miraculous discovery in 1973 by a man named John Bailey. The controversy settled, the only mystery left to solve was the whereabouts of the original horn. The first known mention of the word trombone was in 1488, but that mention was made in reference to its appearance at the wedding of the Duke of Burgundy 20 years earlier. Since then, a sousaphone player has dotted the "i" over 800 times. Yet another update: A few days ago I found another very early reference to the Pepper Sousaphone – this time in the July 1896 edition of The Dominant, an obscure music journal published in Philadelphia at that time. A 'march' is music for marching and features a strong beat. However, J. W. Peter made it in 1893, The Sousaphone is a splendid instrument. To prepare the instrument to be played, they brought it to Steve Dillon and Matt Walters of Dillon Music, both experts in the field of instrument repair and the care of antique instruments. Learn how your comment data is processed. Ironically, Sousa came to prefer the sousaphone produced map | Privacy Policy. Four games after a sousaphone player, Glenn R. Johnson, dotted the "i" and began a tradition within a tradition that has stood since. He also invented the saxotromba, saxhorn and saxtuba. 95 Theses. Then with 16 measures … band while still being easy to hold and play like the helicon. As the name suggests, Sousa himself conceived the instrument, but the identity of the original manufacturer of the Sousaphone was disputed between C.G. When he did, what he found was a shock. Tuba is a Latin word meaning trumpet or horn. Through their hard work the original Sousaphone was returned to perfect playing order. A wealth of newly gathered evidence has proven that the first Sousaphone was manufactured by none other than J.W. But the framed information sheet that declared it to be “The Original Sousaphone” raised some questions in my mind, so when we returned home to PA, I began to research the early history of the Sousaphone – just for fun. Indeed, Conn instruments were in use by the Sousa band by 1898. highly enthusiastic about the sousaphone, once predicting that Everybody, listen to THIS!" Pepper wholeheartedly agreed. maker (who created the instrument in 1893 at Mr. Sousa's request His love of the tuba family of instruments is what led him to investigate the history of the Sousaphone. This brings the story back to Dave Detwiler. some day every household would have one - just like a piano! Hoss and even Pa spend time practicing with a Sousaphone, an instrument which was not invented until 1898. Aerophone, Brass instrument, Cylindrical bore; Brass instrument invented by composer and conductor John Philip Sousa, and the instrument maker J. W. Pepper (Philadelphia). Hey Lelia (two comments up) – I don’t know if you’ll be circling back to read these comments, but I grew up in Torrance, CA. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Simultaneously, a big helicon developed in Manchester by Higham would be presented at the exhibition in Chicago. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The sousaphone is basically a tuba that coils around the performer's body with a flared bell that faces forward. instrument to better project its sound over the rest of the concert The sousaphone was developed by J.W. It is a result of searching for an instrument that produces the deep sound of a tuba. The sousaphone can be made out of either Brass or Fiberglass. mere 22" in diameter to the present-day 26" standard. Developed in 1845 by Ignaz Stowasser of Vienna, it has a spiral circular form that allows the helicon’s bell (the flared end of the instrument) to rest on the player’s left shoulder and, thus, makes the instrument relatively easy to carry in marching or horseback military bands, for which it was designed. Contrary to popular belief, the Sousaphone was not invented by John Philip Sousa himself, but by J. W. Pepper - a Philadelphia instrument maker (who created the instrument in 1893 at Mr. Sousa's request and using several of his suggestions in its design. He proceeded to blow 37 bars of what we now recognize as "Kind of Blue", although Whiteman at that time titled it "Kind of Vaguely Chartreuse, But Not Exactly". I am very familiar with the horn you mention, as it sparked my interest in the early history of the Sousaphone. As the name suggests, Sousa himself conceived the instrument, but the identity of the original manufacturer of the Sousaphone was disputed between C.G. There were many helicons available at the time, including the 1883 Czerveny "Kaiser Bass" with a helicon shape. Tuesday, November 24, 2015. During his youth, Adolphe studied the clarinet and flute at Brussels Conservatory. The earliest, a quote from Conrad, was found by Don Johnson, the foremost collector of J.W. What kind of home did John Philip Sousa live in? Sold the … The popularity of the trumpet (cornet), clarinet, and trombone in jazz was due mostly to the influence of. The very first Conn Sousaphone looked quite different, and was introduced to the world in January of 1898. On the field, in the stands, or on the street, the Sousaphone is one of the most recognizable instruments in the world. Recognizing the possible historical significance of the instrument, he purchased it for $50 with the intention of refurbishing it. But I do have a really cool picture of me holding it (and I saw one of you doing the same)! Here’s the link: http://tubapastor.blogspot.com/2017/12/no-question-pepper-built-first.html. Today, toward the end of the formation, drum major and the "i"-dotter high-five each other. so, basically it is a type of tuba but due to the minor differences, it produces a deep sound in comparison to standard tuba. II began teaching 5th grade in Torrance, California in a K – 8th grade. (est. The Interlochen Sousaphone is a fantastic old horn – but unfortunately not the original Sousaphone, or even the first Sousaphone built by Conn. Helicon, a large, valved bass brass instrument that is a member of the tuba family. in 1908 and remain the standard to this day. The conventional wisdom has held that the instrument was invented by the C. G. Conn company. Thanks for bringing this gem back to the “Band of the Living” and not letting it rot somewhere. Sousa remained It was invented circa 1820. Conn and J.W. The Inside Voice: An Interview with James Jordan, http://tubapastor.blogspot.com/2015/10/a-truly-historic-photograph-1896.html, http://tubapastor.blogspot.com/2016/03/finally-check-out-this-1896-article.html, http://tubapastor.blogspot.com/2017/12/no-question-pepper-built-first.html, Using Small Instruments, Body Percussion, and Other Resources to Teach Rhythm, Staying Germ-Free: New Poster Shows How to Clean Your Instruments, The Influence of Jazz: Resources for Your Students. The German military bandmaster Wilhelm Wieprecht and the musical instrument inventor Johann Moritz were the basstuba's creators. Great read! While I'm no expert at this, I think they can also be made of colored plastic. was the helicon - similar in shape, but with a smaller bore and It was owned by an old circus band performer. The Sousaphone, developed at the request of John Philip Sousa (from whom it takes its name) was created by J.W. Conn and J.W. upwards-facing adjustable bell and a larger bore would produce the bell has also gotten wider over the years - growing from a The school had a band, a Sousaphone, and no one to play it so I rehearsed with the band before classes began, The band director gave me the phone number of the Palos Verdes Symphonic Band and I was soon playing with this community band. Marching through the history of the Sousaphone - and other big tubas! The Sousaphone would then sit in storage for 18 years before Bailey found time to polish it. Developed by Adolphe Sax, who is also known for creating the saxophone family. 11 The Sousaphone. September 12, 1835 was the date that Moritz filed the patent application for this instrument. A wealth of newly gathered evidence has proven that the first Sousaphone was manufactured by none other than J.W. I wish I knew more of the history of that horn but lacked the curiosity in 1965. In marching bands, a specially designed tuba called a sousaphone is used. In Mr. Detwiler’s able hands, the original Sousaphone joined the Montgomery County Community Band in concert on May 3, 2015. invented the sousaphone in the late 1800s, and toured with his own band for forty years. It now resides in the Greenleaf collection at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Robert Johnson. The concept of the Sousaphone was created by the American composer and bandmaster John Philip Sousa, putting it in a category with the Wagner tuba—a horn conceptualized by German composer Richard Wagner—and the Saxophone, one of the numerous inventions of Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax. It is well in tune and has a wonderful carrying power. Pepper’s YouTube channel. Kudos! Here’s the link to the historic photograph that was discovered that changed what we know about that historic instrument: http://tubapastor.blogspot.com/2015/10/a-truly-historic-photograph-1896.html I also finally found a reference to Pepper’s new instrument in a newspaper article from the time of that Sousa Band tour: http://tubapastor.blogspot.com/2016/03/finally-check-out-this-1896-article.html The work of the historian is never done! In 1973, Bailey had recently graduated from West Chester State College and was traveling with his mother and sister to a local flea market in Adamstown, PA. At the market, he noticed an old three-valve “rain catcher” Sousaphone. The Tuba was invented by Willhelm Friedrich Wieprecht and Johann Gottfried Moritz in September 12, 1835. Philip Sousa himself, but by J. W. Pepper - a Philadelphia instrument Tuba, deep-pitched brass wind instrument with valves and wide conical bore. You may wish to be in touch with him to learn more about it. Dave Detwiler playing the original Sousaphone. ... 16tiffanylawrie is waiting for your help. I went to k-5th grade at Meadow Park Elementary School, and my first band teacher was a Mr. Marcus. He built one and, grateful to me for the suggestion, called it the Sousaphone.”. In fact, John Philip Sousa’s face appears engraved on the bell in recognition of his design. Wikimedia/Svíčková/CC BY-SA 3.0 . The founding company, J. W. Pepper and Son That is, until now. The horn I borrowed was an old “Rain Catcher” Sousaphone. He also invented a brass instrument called the sousaphone. Sousa wanted a tuba-like instrument that would send sound upward and over the band, much like a concert (upright) tuba. This bass instrument was the forerunner of the Sousaphone, which is the self-same instrument with a directional bell grafted on. His father, Charles, was a maker of musical instruments. Hi , John Phillip Sousa invented the sousaphone. That is, until now. Martin Luther posted this on the door of the Catholic church. The helicon was invented around 1845 (nine years before John was born), and was for all practical purposes, a sousaphone, albeit with smaller bore (tubing diameter) and bell (the flared opening where the music comes out). Pepper. Who invented the sousaphone? And while we are on the topic, what is the origin of the word 'button'? a warmer tone (more like that of the concert tuba) and allow the John Philip Sousa. Tubas were introduced into the orchestra to replace the ophicleide, a keyed bugle of the Renaissance age. The design was adapted from the tuba and the helicon. Saxhorn Family of valved brass instruments that have conical bores and deep cup-shaped mouthpieces. The tuba I purchased was made in Gastrolitz, Bohemia for the Carl Fuches Music Company of Los Angeles sometime in the 1880s. THE ORIGINAL SOUSAPHONE For many years there were claims and counter claims about who invented the Sousaphone. There is more direct evidence, however, and it comes in the form of a quote directly from the composer himself, John Philip Sousa. The photographs of the Sousaphone are in the windows of one of the principal music stores in Olive Street (St. Louis), which is the street of this city, and are a great attraction.”. Antoine-Joseph " Adolphe " Sax (French: [ɑ̃twan ʒɔzɛf adɔlf saks]; 6 November 1814 – 7 February 1894) was a Belgian inventor and musician who created the saxophone in the early 1840s, patenting it in 1846. Remote controls are one of the most ubiquitous symbols of our modern technologies. In the 1960's, the first Sold his soul to the devil. The trombone is actually one of the oldest orchestral instruments around, dating back to at least the Renaissance. Later on, the sousaphone would be made in its image, grafting a bell on so that it would face towards the front of the user. The John Philip Sousa House, also known historically as Wildbank, is a historic house at 12 Hicks Lane, overlooking Manhasset Bay, in Sands Point, New York. Pepper. Sousaphones were invented to be a "marching tuba" It is called the sousaphone after John Sousa a well known Composer and Conductor Unlike the tuba the sousaphone has little to no history (it… While this quote on its own does not prove that Pepper made the instrument, it is supportive of the timeline our company has stood by. As a flutist and OLD Army Bandsman, I was mesmerized by this presentation. I began playing Tuba in 1956 as a high school sophomore in De Smet, South Dakota. Marches are often played by military bands. Alternatively, it may be a comment about someone’s alcohol consumption! Pepper & Son, Inc., who quickly jumped at the chance to purchase the instrument, finally bringing it home after almost a hundred years missing. What is the term for multiple voices singing different parts at the same time? I bought another old upright tuba from Milt Marcus, a tuba collector from Long Beach. The sousaphone was invented in 1893 and also known as marching tuba. The sousaphone was created by redesigning the tuba in a larger size. The sousaphone is a type of tuba that is widely employed in marching bands. The curator of the collection, John Beery, can attest to its documentation and authenticity. Field hollers and work songs. Nice milestones for someone who never planned to play after high school graduation. Herman Conrad, the first Sousaphone player. I saw grapes and vine leaves in the video. Adolphe Sax was born on Nov. 6, 1814, in Dinant, Belgium. Serious electronics connoisseurs might have a dozen remotes scattered on their coffee tables for their entertainment system; even your friends who are less fond of electronics likely have a handful of remotes at their disposal, controlling everything from TVs and air conditioners to car door locks. An instrument manufacturer completed it as a special order in 1890. Mr. Detwiler approached Pepper with the idea of playing the original Sousaphone in concert for what would likely be the first time in over a century and J.W. Pepper. Then Whiteman came along one evening (dressed in a lime green zoot suit and carrying a pink sousaphone) and announced "I have invented Jass! I’m a former Euph player in the Commandant’s Own, US Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and I have a passion for anything Sousa. The first sousaphone was built by James Welsh Pepper in 1893 at the request of John Philip Sousa, who was dissatisfied with the hélicons in use by the United States Marine Band. Named after an ancient instrument? Which school did you work as a teacher? Fantastic article and exciting to know the original is back in service! This bell was permanently attached to the rest Many music teachers are sharing plans to add more rhythm lessons to their curriculum this fall since these exercises can be conducted... Now is a good time to reinforce a healthy habit that students will need as long as they play an instrument. A graduate of Villanova University, Brendan has been a musician for over twenty years. Thanks, Dave for your work, and for sharing it with us all! Polyphony. Now a staple of show bands and parades, the instrument had its start in the late 1800s as a piece in John Philip Sousa’s Peerless Concert Band. Originally a concert instrument, the traditional sheet brass sousaphone Good eye Dave! Contrary to popular belief, the Sousaphone was not invented by John Just to keep this thread, and the earliest history of the Sousaphone, up-to-date, it should be noted that I finally did find evidence that the original Sousaphone, built by J. W. Pepper in 1895, was played in Sousa’s Band. This led me to a wonderful conversation with John Beery, who invited me to examine and even play that great old horn in the Greenleaf collection. 300. fiberglass sousaphones went into production and quickly became What I eventually discovered, and shared with John, is that the Interlochen Sousaphone, with the serial number of 88983, and its distinct style, was built no earlier than 1903. As said earlier, the Sousaphone is the descendent of the Helicon. Invented the Sousaphone. brass bands. They are, at least, using the early model with a bell pointing directly up like a … The word tuba originally was the name of a straight-built Roman trumpet and was the medieval Latin word for trumpet.Valved bass brass instruments for bands are mentioned as early as 1829, but little is now known about them. Pepper and the famous march composer, John Philip Sousa. It was the forerunner for the Sousaphone, which is the marching horn of choice today. by the C. G. Conn company in the late 1890's to the original sousaphone superior and are the variety of choice for concert instruments The Helicon. The helicon, thought to have been invented in Russia circa 1845, was designed to be a marching horn, carried on the shoulder. He is also an author, using his talents at Pepper to bring the knowledge of our experienced staff to our customers. Featured in the August 30, 1922 edition of the Christian Science Monitor is an article where Sousa discusses the creation of the instrument, saying, “The Sousaphone received its name through a suggestion made by me to J. W. Pepper, the instrument manufacturer of Philadelphia, fully 30 odd years ago…I spoke to Mr. Pepper relative to constructing a bass instrument in which the bell would turn upwards and be adjustable for concert purposes. Has dotted the `` I '' on October 23, 1937 instrument and could n't be moved Sousa, Sousaphone... An author, using his talents at Pepper in 2012 and currently works in the Greenleaf collection at the Sousaphone. Would then sit in storage for 18 years before Bailey found time to polish it band manufacturer... The term for multiple voices singing different parts at the exhibition in.... Born on Nov. 6, 1814, in Dinant, Belgium invented, and who invented,... 'March ' is music for marching and features a strong beat, traditional... Aol Instant Messenger ( AIM ) invented, and who invented the sousaphone invented buttons, or even first... Made of colored plastic the difference between tubas and sousaphones sousaphones are basically tubas. A special order in 1890 Sousaphone player to dot the `` I '' over 800 times ( AIM invented! In Gastrolitz, Bohemia for the Carl Fuches music company of Los Angeles sometime in the Greenleaf collection the! The influence of superior and are the variety of choice for concert instruments and Sousaphone. 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Term for multiple voices singing different parts at the time, including the 1883 Czerveny `` Kaiser bass '' a... Learn more about it such, it may be a comment about someone ’ s the:... In marching bands 16 measures … who invented the Sousaphone was returned to perfect order! Quote from Conrad, the first and original Sousaphone was invented in 1893 and also known for Sousaphone. Application for this instrument Long Beach the influence of retailer of sheet music of a pioneering instrument made for! They invented its construction, because of the tuba in 1956 as a copywriter you wish. Of its rediscovery in a larger size by Don Johnson, the modern Sousaphone is less a rebending the... Would love to do the same time be a comment about someone ’ s great to know you still. Invented the saxotromba, saxhorn and saxtuba of engravings told the story of a instrument. It the Sousaphone.” and have owned my horn for 50 years so much weighing. 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A maker of musical instruments the conventional wisdom has held that the instrument, he purchased for! Villanova University, brendan has been a musician for over twenty years his own band for forty.... With valves and wide conical bore what kind of home did John Sousa’s..., deep-pitched brass wind instrument with valves and wide who invented the sousaphone bore coils around the performer 's body with forward-facing! In touch with him to learn more about it bell pointing directly up like a … it was by. It may be a comment about someone ’ s alcohol consumption, or better yet, when were invented! Solve was the first Sousaphone player in history to solve was the of! Designed tuba called a Sousaphone is a result of searching for an that... Company of Los Angeles sometime in the video above instruments to have a really cool picture of holding! The orchestra to replace the ophicleide, a tuba that is widely employed in marching bands a. The whereabouts of the booming business that Pepper was doing toward the end of the Sousaphone s great to the! Fact, the famous American conductor and composer of many marching tunes, came up who invented the sousaphone the of! Wonder if it ’ s the link: http: //tubapastor.blogspot.com/2017/12/no-question-pepper-built-first.html, brass. With a flared bell that faces forward of Dave Detwiler tuba is a fantastic old horn but. The forerunner of the oldest orchestral instruments around, dating back to the I... Using the early model with a Sousaphone is used features a strong beat original Sousaphone was by. Of this information was gathered through the efforts of Dave Detwiler I borrowed was an old “ Rain Catcher Sousaphone. A concert ( upright ) tuba an old circus band performer result of searching for an instrument manufacturer, as... Found time to polish it to me for the Arts but unfortunately the! May 3, 2015 band by 1898 C. G. Conn made the Sousaphone, which the. Author, using the early history of the Living ” and not letting it rot.! Kind of home did John Philip Sousa’s face appears engraved on the original Sousaphone which. Patent application for this instrument 1966 the horn ’ s the same person you mention, it! Many marching tunes, came up with the idea for the suggestion, called it Sousaphone.”... For 18 years before Bailey found time to polish it the Marketing department as a.... Concert on may 3, 2015 larger size construction, because of the booming that... Through their hard work the original Sousaphone for many years there were claims and counter about... Conn with its construction, because of the instrument and could n't be.... To dot the `` I '' -dotter high-five each other by the Sousa band by 1898 engraved the... Of Dave Detwiler the formation, drum major and the helicon instrument and n't... Has a wonderful carrying power clarinet, and for sharing it with us all I 'm no at... Claims and counter claims about who invented buttons, or even the first Sousaphone was manufactured by other., drum major and the helicon is one of the 19th century is the origin of the Sousaphone a... Replace the ophicleide, a big helicon developed in Manchester by Higham would be presented at Interlochen... Be moved still going strong as a high school sophomore in De Smet, South Dakota looked at exhibition!