John Philip Sousa & His Marches Musical Lesson Plan

When you hear one of John Philip Sousa’s marches it’s hard to control the urge clap your hands or tap your feet to the beat. Known as “The March King,” John Philip Sousa originally wanted to join the circus. To prevent that decision, his father enlisted John into the United States Marine Band as an apprentice and age 13.

Learn about John Philip Sousa’s journey to the number one band in the nation. Sousa wrote over 100 marches for the bands that he directed. Stars and Stripes Forever, Semper Fidelis and Washington Post March are marches featured in this lesson.

This is the perfect lesson and activity for elementary school children and teachers. The songs are about 3+ minutes long each and the lesson could take about 30 minutes. Depending on the activity or activities you choose they could take 15+ minutes to complete.