When we listen to music we often associate the style or theme to different aspects of life, for example, a nation, a movie or even a scene, John Philip Sousa’s music is no different. When his music is heard it is associated with America and the Armed Forces. Often times associations are made over time like, Thanksgiving and pie but, the association of Sousa’s music and America were nearly seamless. His march, Stars & Stripes Forever exemplifies this association musically and historically. Sousa’s music is undeniably American at the first listen. Due to Sousa’s practice of quoting patriotic songs like the Star Spangled Banner, in his own pieces highlights the association of patriotism to his music. Outside of the musical aspect of composing,
