Sousa Archives and Center for American Music — Attraction in Champaign

This is a hidden GEM on the University of Illinois campus. How many museums will play century-old actual vintage antique drum recordings on 105 year old gramophones for guests?!!!! What an experience! The Director even opened the archives of old instruments and sheet music for us.

I posted short recordings of the old gramophones and they've gone somewhat vital. PBS: You need to produce a short program on this place, and the musical history it represents! If PBS won't do it, then the U of Illinois should...

The staff is extremely helpful and interesting. I was shown unusual musical instruments stored onsite, allowed to play the Sal-Mar Construction, a unique electronic instrument, learned how gramophones work and about the difficulties of making a recording on one. Also about Sousa's controversial Prohibition era composition. Anyone with musical interests will...

Scott took us on a tour with Sam & Susan Reese. His insightful comments about the then, avant garde technology of the 60's & 70's were mesmerizing. Also, coming from a Marine Corps family, Sousa's music holds a special place in my heart. I was delighted to see his original piccolo part for Star & Stripes Forever & news archives about...