Cape Fear Wind Symphony performs John Philip Sousa

     Campbell University’s Cape Fear Wind Symphony will present a rousing salute to one of America’s best-loved composers, John Philip Sousa, Thursday, March 29, at 8 p.m. in Scott Concert Hall of the Rogers Fine Arts Center. Tickets are available by calling the Scott Concert Hall Box Office at 910.814.4766 or 800.334.4111, ext. 4766.

     Who doesn’t know by heart the words to the “Stars and Stripes Forever” or the “Marine Corps Anthem?” Yet few people know that Sousa also composed Ragtime music and scores for silent movies.

     “This is a night of Sousa music in which you can expect the unexpected,” said Campbell band director Dr. Dwayne Wilson. “Audiences are in for some delightful surprises.”

     Born in Washington, D.C. in 1854, Sousa followed in the footsteps of his father, a musician in the U.S. Marine Corps, and enlisted at the age of 14. While in the Marines, Sousa composed his first march, “Salutation.” He began studying the violin then worked as a pit orchestra conductor at a local theater and later led the U.S. Marine Corps Band.

     Sousa formed his marching band in 1892, performing numerous European tours, a world tour and an appearance in the 1915 Broadway show “Hip-Hip-Hooray.”

     This marks the debut of the Cape Fear Wind Symphony, formed by Wilson in 2006 and composed of musicians from the music faculties of Campbell University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and East Carolina University, as well as several high school band directors. A total of 10 Campbell students were also selected to perform with the band.

     “It’s one of the best-sounding bands that has ever played Scott Concert Hall,” Wilson said. “I spent three years laying the foundation and developing the philosophy for this band. The students not only get the opportunity to play with their teachers and mentors but with a band of outstanding caliber.”

     Several soloists are featured in the concert, including the vocals of Campbell alumna, Hunter Basnight Coleman, and Campbell flute instructor Catherine LeGrand.