The Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa
Conducted by Rebecca Falls
Biography
Rebecca Falls was born in Chicago, Illinois. She was inspired to become a music teacher
after she joined the Pioneer Indoor Drumline in 2008, which is under the direction of
Adam Hill. Ms. Falls is a percussionist major at VanderCook, but plays the French horn
in the symphonic band. Besides attending classes at VanderCook, she also teaches front
ensembles for both indoor drumlines and marching bands. After she graduates, Ms. Falls
plans on teaching elementary general music and beginning band.
Program Notes
“The Stars and Stripes Forever” is a famous march composed by John Philip Sousa. It
was written in 1896 while Sousa was in Europe, after he had become very homesick. As
he thought about how majestic the American flag looked as it waved outside the White
House, the inspiration to write this march came to him. This piece has very recognizable
and memorable melodies that capture Sousa’s love and pride in America.