Music Celebrations International is pleased to present the Sousa Band Festival, an exclusive music event that will take place on March 10, 2024 and March 9, 2025, in the Concert Hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Four select concert bands will be featured in performance at this historic concert venue. Each band will also take part in a clinic with an esteemed conductor and clinician. All participating bands are selected by application process through Music Celebrations.

The program will emphasize the life and influence of John Philip Sousa, “The March King,” on the American Band movement. Participating bands will have the opportunity to visit important Sousa sites in Washington, D.C., including Historic Congressional Cemetery, where he was laid to rest.

Sample Itinerary

Day One: Thursday, March 7, 2024

Arrive in Washington, D.C.

Meet your MCI Tour Manager, who will escort you through the duration of your activities

Enjoy a panoramic motorcoach tour of Historic Washington, D.C., including Lafayette Square for a photo opportunity of the White House

Dinner at a local restaurant

Enjoy an evening walking tour of the Jefferson Memorial and the Iwo Jima Marine Memorial

Check-in to your hotel for overnight

Day Two: Friday, March 8

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a tour of one of the Smithsonian Institution Museums

Lunch, on own

Self-guided tour the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story (exhibit located on the 1st floor)

Dinner at a local restaurant

Return to the hotel for overnight

Day Three: Saturday, March 9

Breakfast at the hotel

Visit the National Archives where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States are on display

Lunch, on own

Visit Historic Congressional Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony at the graveside of John Philip Sousa

Festival lunch cruise on the Potomac River

Participate in a clinic with Col. Dennis Layendecker

Dinner, on own

Take an evening walking tour of the Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, and National World War II Memorials, as well as a view of the outside of the Washington Monument

Return to the hotel for overnight

Day Four: Sunday, March 10

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out

Morning sound check at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Lunch at KC Café

Tour the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts facilities

Sousa Band Festival Performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Following the performance, depart for home

Date: March 10, 2024

Location: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566

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