Who's Who in Navy Blue

From Wind Repertory Project
John Philip Sousa

John Philip Sousa (ed. Frank Byrne)


General Info

Year: 1920 / 1995
Duration: c. 2:45
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Wingert-Jones Publications
Cost: Score and Parts - $55.00   |   Score Only - $8.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Cornet I-II
B-flat Trumpet III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III-IV
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Snare Drum

Players singing


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Noted Sousa researcher Frank Byrne brings us a definitive edition complete with full score of this classic march. Composed at the request of the 1920 graduating class of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, it's dedicated to Tecumseh, the famous Indian statue located at the Naval Academy.

- Program Note from publisher


It is not often that a composer dedicates music to a wooden Indian. Sousa did just that by dedicating this march to Tecumseh, whose stern figurehead adorns Bancroft Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. Clippings in the Sousa Band press books of 1920 refer to this march as having been written at the midshipmen's request, although school records do not bear this out. In recognition of Sousa's contribution to the navy during World War I, he reportedly was presented a miniature class ring and made an honorary member of the graduating class of 1921. A Sousa Band recording of the march, paired with Comrades of the Legion, sold over 500,000 copies.

- Program Note from John Philip Sousa: A Descriptive Catalog of His Works


Sousa composed Who's Who as a request of midshipman W.A. Ingram, president of the class of 1920 at the U.S. Naval Academy. It had become a custom for each graduating class to have its own new song or march performed at graduation, and the class of 1920 bypassed all other options in favor of “the March King”.

Sousa had served in the navy in World War I and the navy connection no doubt had a great deal to do with their decision. The march is dedicated to Tecumseh, the famous Indian statue that stands outside Bancroft Hall at the Naval Academy.

Sousa even included words for the midshipmen to sing, in the trio of march:

“The moon is shining on the rippling waves.
The stars are twinkling in the evening sky.
And in our dreams Tecumseh softly tells us
We’ll be Admirals by and by.”

- Program Note from Lee University Wind Ensemble concert program, 11 October 2016


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Bierley, P. (1973). John Philip Sousa: A Descriptive Catalog of His Works. University of Illinois Press; Urbana, pp. 79.
  • Sousa, J.; Byrne, F. (1995). Who's Who in Navy Blue: March [score]. Wingert-Jones Music: Kansas City, Mo.