John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) was an American composer and conductor of the late Romantic era, known particularly for American military and patriotic marches. Because of his mastery of march composition, he is known as "The March King." The marching brass bass, or sousaphone, was created by J. W. Pepper - a Philadelphia instrument maker who created the instrument in 1893 at Mr. Sousa's request using several of his suggestions in its design. He wanted a tuba that could sound upward and over the band whether its player was seated or marching. The sousaphone was re-created in 1898 by C. G. Conn and this was the model that Sousa preferred to use.

More information for this classical composer and his music can be found at Wikipedia... John Philip Sousa