Marshall's Civic Band

Composed in 1892. "Sousa was soundly criticized  for this march, which he 
composed as a salute to the ladies of Chicago. Among the protests made by 
Chicago newsmen were these: 
 
        'Mr. Sousa evidently regards the Chicago belle as a 
         powerful creature, with the swinging stride of a giant, 
         a voice like a foghorn, and feet like sugar-cured hams.' 
 
        'The maiden who inspired it would seem to be ... a 
         giantess ... whose motto ... might have been 'I will 
         make a noise'. 
 
        'Mr. Sousa has made his Chicago belle a strappling 
         kitchen wench...' 
 
    "The march outlived its criticism and is probably more popular overseas than 
it is in the United States." 
 
The Works of John Philip Sousa 
pg. 42 
Paul E. Bierley 
Integrity Press 
1984