Evening star., 1932-05-08

left undone to make it the finest band in the
country.
cit will be seen that Mr.. Schneider holds the
new rank of director, while the old rank Of
leader Is given to Mr.. Petrola fine musician,
and one Of the most gentlemanly persons in
the band 1t is to be hoped that the band,
under the immediate charge of the able adju-
tant and inspector of the corps, will be in
creased and take front rank in the leading
bands OF the country. 1t should, at least num-
ber so Of the best musicians whose services
could be secured and the men should receive
better compensation than that now paid.
"The Marine Band is eminently the national
band OF the country; it has been so closely
identified with the interests OF the Capital that
1t has been known for years as The Presidents
Band 1t is understood that a new uniform
has been adopted to take the place Of the Brit
iSh red coat Gen. Zeilin, the commandant,
together with the staff officers now at head
quarters, have used their utmost endeavors
during the last few years to bring the band
up to the standard of par excellence but have
had an uphill road, probably from the fact
that the band needed a leader of great force
Of character in addition to eminent musical
ability. The mixed elements in the band have
never been harmonious, and the new director
has plenty Of work on his hands before he can
make an entirely happy family Of it. From all
indications he Is a man of determination, and
will succeed In eclipsing any former efforts OF
the organization. The present Secretary of
the Navy has taken a lively interest in the
new movement and has given his countenance
and support to the efforts made In making the
Presidents band the leading musical organiza-
ton Of the country"
4 Ar. SCHNEIDER served until October /,
'~i 1880, previous to which something seems
to have happened, for in The Star of october
1. 1880, we find the following item:
''The published statements that the board of
officers who have been investigating the charges
against Prof. Schneider leader Of the Marine
Band, have found him guilty and recommended
his dismissal. and that Commodore Jeffers, act
ing Secretary of the Navy approved the
findings, and has appointed Mr.. John Sousa
leader of the band, vice Schneider, dismissed,
Is incorrect in so far at least, as the action
Of the acting Secretary is concerned. The
report Of the Investigating Board had not
reached the Navy Department at noon today,
and consequently no action had been taken
there"
However, on the following afternoon The
Star told different story. 1t said:
"The New Leader of the Marine Band-Louis
Schneider, the leader of the Marine Band
having been dismissed from the service, his
accounts were settled yesterday. Mr.. John
Philip Sousa was informed by telegraph at
Kansas City Mo. (where he was engaged with
MacKeys Irritation Combination) on Saturday
last that the leadership was at his disposal
Yesterday. Mr.. Sousa reported to Col. McCaw-
ley, was formally mustered into service and
granted 10 days leave Of absence to settle his
business in Philadelphia, which place he has
made his home for several years past. Mr..
Sousa Is now but IS years Of age, and is about
the youngest band leader in this section Of the
country. He is q son Of Mr.. George Sousa, q
veteran musician Of the Marine Band, who has
played In 1t for IS years When but II years
Of age, Mr.. John Sousa enlisted in the band
and served In it for three years. For some years
he was in charge of the Theater ComiQue