The first sousaphone-1893 JW Pepper BBb Raincacher-pics

[bisontuba]

Hi-
Today, Matt Brown from Reading, PA made a stop here in Buffalo and Don Harry and I met him at the Buffalo Philharmonic's Music Hall to see and play the first sousaphone ever made--no, it is not a Conn, but a BBb Raincatcher sousaphone made by JW Pepper in 1893.
Sousa went to his friend Pepper and told him he wanted something besides a helicon--it was too directional--hence the creation, by Pepper, of the Sousaphone--this particular instrument. It is a 3 valve horn, brass, with lovely engraved/stamped ferrels/braces/guards very similar to what Distin and Keefer did. The horn is a bit flat, but is in remarkable condition. BTW, it plays quite nicely. Engraved on the bell is a nice floral design with various objects, and it reads "Highest Medal & Diploma, Chicago 1893 Premier JW Pepper Maker Philadelphia and Chicago No. 8800"----AND a relief of the March King--John Phillip Sousa is also engraved above this!!!
Matt has borrowed this horn from the Pepper Music Co., and does exhibits, powerpoint presentations (on this presentation is an endorsement that the Pepper Company has--Sousa tubist Herman Conrad holding and endorsing this horn!) and the like on this horn and how it was developed. He will do one of his presentatins next Fall at Eastman--and just a thought--it might be a terrific presentation at the 2008 ITEC Conference in Cincy!
See the pics below of Matt, Don Harry, and yours truly playing this wonderful item--and some close ups of the engraving--truly wonderful that it has been preserved!
Matt can be contacted at tubahawk@gmail.com
Enjoy the pics!
Regards-
mark
jonestuba@juno.com
<a><img src="http://www.myphotolodge.com/usr/399/2247Matt_Brown.JPG" border="0"></a>

<a<a><img src="http://www.myphotolodge.com/usr/399/Don_Harry.JPG" border="0"></a>><img src="http://www.myphotolodge.com/usr/399/Donald_Harry.JP.jpg" border="0"></a>
<a><img src="http://www.myphotolodge.com/usr/399/MJ.JPG" border="0"></a>

<a><img src="http://www.myphotolodge.com/usr/399/Peppera.JPG" border="0"></a>
<a><img src="http://www.myphotolodge.com/usr/399/Pepperb.JPG" border="0"></a>
<a><img src="http://www.myphotolodge.com/usr/399/Pepperc.JPG" border="0"></a>

[iiipopes]

It's nice to see pictures of the real thing occasionally, and know it is still being played and demonstrated.

This, of course, as opposed to the cyborg propaganda that would have you believe otherwise.

[bisontuba]

Hi-
I should mention that Matt is available--powerpoint presentation and the original Pepper raincatcher --for college/conference presentations.
Contact him at tubahawk@gmail.com
Thanks-
mark
jonestuba@juno.com