Experiences of a Bandmaster | Page 6

John Philip Sousa

One more story of the White House. At the time of the unveiling of the
statue of Admiral Farragut in Washington, it was suddenly proposed to
have a reception at the Executive Mansion in honor of the many
distinguished visitors. The informal invitations were issued while I was
participating in the parade that was part of the ceremonies.
At seven o-clock in the evening, when I was at home, tired out after the
long march, word came to me to report at the Marine Barracks. I went
there and was ordered to take the band to the White House at eight
o'clock p.m.
The bandmen did not live in barracks, and it was practically impossible
to get them together at that time of night, as they were scattered all over
the city.
"Well, those are my instructions and those are your orders," said the
commanding officer.
So we sent the band-messengers out to the men's lodgings, and they
found just one musician at home, and he was the bass-drummer.
At eight o'clock, arrayed in all the gorgeousness of my scarlet and gold
uniform, I sat in front of the band platform in the White House lobby,

and the bass-drummer stationed himself back in the semi-obscurity of
his corner. There was a dazzling array of music-stands and empty
chairs, but no musicians! The President evidently saw the humorous
side of it, and when I explained the situation he said it could not be
helped. All the evening we sat there and listened to humorous remarks
from the guests. We had "reported for duty," though, and the drummer
and I stayed till the reception was over.

End of Project Gutenberg Etext The Experiences of a Bandmaster, by
Sousa

Experiences of a Bandmaster

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