Q 01/05

Which American composer is known as "The March King"?

A) John Philip Sousa

B) Aaron Copland

C) Scott Joplin

D) George M. Cohan

Answer · why

A) John Philip Sousa

He wrote more than 130 marches, and the Marine Band still plays Semper Fidelis at his grave every year on his birthday.

Q 02/05

Which body-wrapping brass instrument with a huge forward bell is named after a famous bandleader?

A) Helicon

B) Sousaphone

C) Euphonium

D) Flugelhorn

Answer · why

B) Sousaphone

Its upright early bell earned it the nickname 'rain-catcher', and versions weigh anywhere from 18 to 50 pounds.

Q 03/05

What is the long staff a drum major carries and spins to give commands called?

A) Wand

B) Sceptre

C) Mace

D) Rod

Answer · why

C) Mace

It is beaten with the ferrule pointed down and the dome up, and its tricks include prop-spins, roundhouses and tosses.

Q 04/05

Which section of a marching band performs with flags, rifles and sabres to interpret the music visually?

A) Battery

B) Hornline

C) Pit crew

D) Color guard

Answer · why

D) Color guard

The equipment descends from military escorts for the flag, and the activity later spun off into its own indoor sport, winter guard.

Q 05/05

Since 1987, by an act of Congress, "The Stars and Stripes Forever" has held what official status?

A) National march of the United States

B) National anthem of the United States

C) Official march of the US Army

D) National hymn of the United States

Answer · why

A) National march of the United States

Sousa said he composed it in his head on Christmas Day 1896 aboard a ship home from Europe.