運用他的指揮棒、蘇沙便能進行音樂創作 With a small wave of his baton, Sousa made music

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Sousa Band performing "Orange blossoms"

蘇沙樂團 The Sousa Band

身為蘇沙樂團的領導者，蘇沙變得相當忙碌，要為每個演奏會選擇曲目，因為這個樂團使用的樂器組合是獨一無二的，他必須為樂團裡每一個演奏者編寫一次樂譜，蘇沙也必須協助執行行政管理上的決策，包含設計樂團的制服、下一站要駐地演奏的地點等等。

更重要的是、蘇沙也是樂團的指揮，必須在台上和所有演奏者一起演出，指揮必須闡釋音樂應被如何演奏，在表演過程中，他透過身體與指揮棒的動作、告訴樂團該如何演奏。因為演奏者無法聽到其他人演奏的聲音，指揮必須設定節奏（演奏的速度），確保所有演奏者都在一樣的節拍上演奏。有些指揮家相當戲劇化、情緒化，但蘇沙不是這一類型的指揮，他的動作相當有力、但控制得宜且極有效率。在他有所動作時、樂團也會有所回應，透過指揮棒的小小律動，蘇沙就能控制整個樂團的激情或靜默。

As the leader of the Sousa Band, Sousa was very busy. He chose the music for each concert. Because the band was made up of a unique combination of instruments, Sousa had to adapt the written music for each song to the musicians in his band. Sousa also helped make managerial decisions, including the design of the band's uniform and which towns they would visit on tour.

Most important, Sousa was the band's conductor. A band conductor, like a symphony conductor, is on stage with the musicians. The conductor interprets how the music will be played. During a performance, he tells the band how to play by moving his body and baton. Since it can be hard for the musicians to hear each other play, the conductor also sets the tempo (speed of playing)and makes sure all the musicians play together. Some conductors are very dramatic and emotional, but not Sousa. His movements were energetic, but controlled and efficient. When he moved, his band responded. With a small wave of his baton, Sousa could command a very loud roar or absolute silence.

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