“Sound Off” (1885)

As leader of the U.S. Marine Band, Sousa came under the command of Major George Porter Houston. In Sousa’s eyes, Houston was a stern but fair officer, and this march was dedicated to him. As in the case of “Guide Right,” “Right Forward,” and “Right-Left,” the title was derived from a marching command.

Paul E. Bierley, The Works of John Philip Sousa (Westerville, Ohio: Integrity Press, 1984), 84. Used by permission.