“New Mexico” (1928)

This march was originally called “The Queen of the Plateau” before being given its present title. It was written at the request of J. F. Zimmerman, president of the University of New Mexico. Zimmerman asked that it not be named for his school; rather, he suggested that a simple title such as “New Mexico” would do honor to the entire state. Sousa followed his suggestion and dedicated it “To Governor R. C. Dillon and the people of New Mexico.”

Much of the march is original, but Sousa also adapted several Spanish, Indian, and American songs of New Mexico. One was the state song, “O, Fair New Mexico,” by Elizabeth Garrett. Others were “La Desgracia,” “Peña,” and “Recuerdas de Amistad.”

Paul E. Bierley, The Works of John Philip Sousa (Westerville, Ohio: Integrity Press, 1984), 73. Used by permission.

*PLEASE NOTE: Not all marches from Volume 6 are in the public domain and have Marine Band editions. Recordings of non-PD marches are only available for streaming on YouTube. To purchase a published edition of this march, please visit the sheet music vendor of your choice.