This cache is dedicated to the legacy of John Philip Sousa. This under-respected composer is the father of the military march. His music defines patriotic music in the United States. No musical knowledge is necessary to complete this mystery, just a desire to learn more about this prolific conductor and composer. My wish is that you make the find with a little more knowledge of Sousa. The difficulty level is reflective of the challenge to find the coordinates. Once they have been determined, the cache is 2 star, practically a park and grab with available parking nearby. Happy Caching!
This cache is inspired by the cacher ClaireAnnette, who has similar caches in Clearwater, FL and has given me permission to adapt them for my use locally. Many thanks!!!
Congrats to Tundra Wolf for the FTF!
To find the final coordinates, plug the answers into the coordinates N42 AB.CDE W076 FG.HIJ.
The Geosum (total of all numbers) for the North is 20 and for the West is 34.
A. John Philip Sousa’s nickname is
The March King (1)
The Military Marcher (2)
Semper Fi Sousa (3)
Dr. Sousa (4)
B. John Philip Sousa wrote how many marches?
134 (2)
136 (6)
137 (0)
Unknown (8)
C. John Philip Sousa directed the Marine Corps Band for 12 years. During this time, he elevated the musicianship and professionalism to new heights, gaining worldwide recognition. The Marine Corps Band, also known as “The President’s Own”, still maintains its reputation as one of the top wind ensembles in the world. During his life, John Philip Sousa was a part of the Marines and the Navy.
False (5)
True (1)
D. During John Philip Sousa’s time, his marching bands used concert tubas. These instruments were bulky and needed to be strapped to the performer to march. They were awkward to carry and the sound went straight up, making them difficult to hear. John Philip Sousa needed the tuba to become a bell-front instrument so it could be heard better when performing outside. This marching-friendly horn is called the sousaphone. Who helped John Philip Sousa design the sousaphone?
Blakely (2)
Helicon (4)
Pepper (6)
Conn (8)
E. Why did John Philip Sousa quit his job as the director of the Marine Corps Band?
Disagreements over music selections (4)
To form his own band (6)
They wouldn’t use sousaphones (8)
Personal Illness (0)
F. John Philip Sousa’s marches are enjoyed by many. One of my favorite aspects of playing his marches is that each part of the music is melodic all by itself. For example, the bass line is not always the typical “oom-pah oom-pah” part. The bass line of his most famous march is extremely melodic. His most famous march became the official National March of the United States in 1987. What is the name of this famous piece?
The Star-Spangled Banner (0)
The National Anthem (3)
America’s March (7)
The Stars and Stripes Forever (4)
G. The following were written by John Philip Sousa, except:
The Charlatan (an operetta)(4)
Black Horse Troop (6)
Bonnie Annie Laurie (9)
Bride Elect (7)
H. John Phillip Sousa was born in Washington, D.C. and died in Reading, PA, and is buried in Congressional Cemetery, located in
Washington, D.C. (3)
Bethesda, Maryland (9)
Reading, PA (6)
Manassas, VA (4)
I. During his military service, he received
The Purple Heart (2)
WW I Victory Medal (4)
Bronze Star (6)
Distinguished Flying Cross (8)
J. Besides being primarily known as a musician, he was also a very accomplished
Politician (8)
Trap shooter (1)
Pilot (6)
Gardner (3)