The Washington times., 1903-04-19
SCALA, FORMER LEADER
OF MARINE BAND. DEAD
Directed Crack Organiza-
tiOn % Years.
WAS ILL OVER LONG PERIOD
SucCumbs to Stomach TroubIe-WeIl
Known in Local Musical
Circles

Prot Francis NJ. Scala. for twenty-five
years leader of the Marine Band, and
retired for that length of time. died at
his nome. 918 South Carolina Avenue
southeast. last night after a prolonged
illness. He was surrounded by the mem
hers of his family when the end came,
his condition having taken a grave turn
in the afternoon.
Death w%s Iue 10 stomach trouble.
= victim OF the maIady for some time,
Prof, Scala had been confined to his
home, and was unable to participate in
active affairs. The disease gradually
became more serious, and last evening
DR.. Thomas / Thew, the attending phy-
sician. abandoned all hope for his e
covery.
Well Known in Musical Circles.
The death of Prof. Scala removes from
the local musical world one of its most
conspicuous figures Not only was he
known in Washington. but also held
an enviable place in the profession
throughout the country, and his repu-
tation as composer and leader was
at one time worldwide
AS a leader Of the Marine Band for
a quarter OF a century. he first became
prominent in musical circles, having
been largely instrumental in the rapid
rise OF the organization.
Under his tutelage there were a num-
Der OF apprentices who have since be
come more OF less renowned themselves.
Met 1rv-r5ar-rr-r ,F TCFr
Philip Sousa, who assumed the leader
ship of she band upon Prof. Scala's re
tirement-
Francis NJ Scala was born at Naples,
italy, eighty-four years ago. He was the
son Of a musician, from whom he in
heTited his talent. In fact. the entire
family were musically inclined. most Of
them having made that their profes-
sion Thus the secret of Scala's sue
cess in latter years Is apparent
Immigrated at Twenty.
At the age Of twenty Scala immi-
grated to this country, and made his
home in the East. Previous to this ne
had made a diligenJ study OF the art
and was an artist OF much finish upon
his arrival here He seemed especially
adapted to the vocation, fact which
presa aged his successful future.
The young man. just entering upon his
career. had not been long in America
before he secured a position ia the Ma
rine Band. His rare talent soon showed
itself to critics OF music. and he was
pronounced genius by common con-
sent
For. some time he remained as sub.
ordinate member OF the band. and was
serving in that capacity when the or
ganization was left without a leader.
His selection to aT the vacancy follow
ed. That was the beginning of his not
able career.
Leader Twenty Five Years.
twenty-five years Prof. Scala acted as
the director II this time he brought
about a remarkable change in its char
ac5er. and standing, increasing it in
size from twelve pieces to thirty-fve.
The standard OF the band was raised TO
a higher plane. and 1t was then. per
haqs. the finest in the United States.
After q regime of so many years Prof
Scala Tetlrea quarter OF century
ago. He had accumulated much money.
aad owned some real estate in the Dis
trict Since then he has never engaged
ia any business.
As a composer the distinguished mu-
sicfau held place equally as high as
"a leader He created q number Of
marches. OF which the best known was
that written especially for the inaugu-
ration of President Grant. Il was
known as the Grant March.
Prof Scala is survived by a widow
who was Miss Auth Of Washington, and
eleven children. They are Francis
Scala. now resident OF Hampton. Va;
DIT George Bella. Olivia, Gertrude,
William Stella, Rita. Norman, and
Chester. all living in Washington.
No arrangements for the funeral have
been made