THE BLACK HORSE TROOP | Written in 1924, “The Black Horse Troop” is one of John Philip Sousa’s most unique marches. Sousa composed the work specifically for Troop A of the Cleveland National Guard, a special independent militia group that exclusively used black horses. Ever the musical mastermind, Sousa wove equestrian themes throughout the work to honor Troop A. First, the march is written in 6/8 time to emulate a horse’s rolling canter gait. Additionally, Sousa instructs the percussionists to