Kenneth Douse

From Wind Repertory Project
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Biography

Kenneth Douse (30 Aprl 1906, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, U.S. – 8 December 1983, Washington D.C.) was an American saxophonist, violinist and composer.

Kenneth Douse He was brought to the United States in 1910 and lived in Berryville, Virginia. About 1912 he moved to Washington DC and began study of the violin at age 7 or 8. He attended grade and high schools in Washington, DC, and studied violin at the Washington College of Music under Emil Christiani during which time (around 1924) he played in various string ensembles as well as theater and dance orchestras in and around Washington, DC.

Kenneth Douse was a member of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band from 1926 to 1950. When he joined the Marine Band, all members were required to play both a wind and a string instrument. Kenny's principal instrument was violin. Because he had had some training on saxophone, he chose saxophone as his second instrument. He quickly developed into one of the finest soloists.

Douse composed several fine marches that were performed by the Marine Band many times, a number of saxophone solos that he performed with the band on tours, and a tonguing instruction book for saxophone players.

He retired from the band in 1950 and became a member of the National Symphony in Washington as a violinist and saxophonist for the next 17 years, retiring from the orchestra in 1968.


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