America in World War I: The largest band in the world: bandsmen from Great Lakes...

The largest band in the world. The photograph shows a detachment of the world famous Great Lakes organization which at one time comprised fourteen hundred musicians. They were trained by Lieutenant John Philip Sousa. The various detachments of the band were in great demand throughout the nation to promote Liberty Loan drives and numerous other patriotic undertakings. Musicians to the number of 3056 were enrolled and trained at Great Lakes. Approximately 2250 of these musicians were transferred to the fleet and to naval bases. In the training of naval bandsmen the authorities were always mindful of the report of a British commission appointed to determine the things most important in winning the war. Music had been placed only after food, clothing and shelter. The picture shows the bandsmen from Great Lakes marching up Michigan Avenue, Chicago. Illustration for US Official Pictures of the World War, showing America's Participation, selected from the official files of the War Department by William E Moore and James C Russell (Pictoria Bureau, 1920). Gravure printed.