Herb, William | University of Illinois Archives

Name: Herb, William

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Historical Note: William Herb played tuba for the John Philip Sousa Band between 1924 and 1932. In addition, Herb was also a member of the Allentown Band from 1904 to c.1930, and continued to be involved with the organization following his tenure. According to an interview with Herb, he had never formally studied music but had played the tuba since the age of seven. In 1924 he stopped to hear Sousa perform at Willow Grove Park and after the concert he was told by a member of the ensemble the he was just the tuba player Sousa was looking for. Herb remained with the Sousa Band until Sousa's death.

Sources: Newspaper clipping in William Herb Papers, Sousa Band Uniform and Travel Trunk, 1924-1980: An Inventory, The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music (12/9/102, Series 2, Box 1, Folder 2).

Note Author: Scott Schwartz and Raquel Flores-Clemons