Arthur Pryor and his Band, Stand Up Cutout, Sousa Band Trombonist For Sale

Arthur Pryor (September 22, 1869 – June 18, 1942) was a trombone virtuoso, bandleader, and soloist with the Sousa Band. He went on to also become a famous band leader and a prolific composer of band music, his best-known composition being "The Whistler and His Dog".

This standup cut out is very sturdy and is 14 inches in height, and in excellent condition. It could only have been made between 1903 and 1933, which were the years that the Pryor band was in existence

He joined the Sousa Band in 1892.

He played his first solo with the Sousa Band at age 22 during the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. During his 12 years with the Sousa Band, Pryor estimated that he played 10,000 solos.

From 1895 to 1903 he was assistant conductor of the Sousa Band.

During his association with the "March King", he toured throughout the US and Europe. While in Europe, he entertained King Edward VII of England and Emperor of Russia Nicholas II with his trombone solos. Once while in Germany, all the trombonists of the German Army bands were ordered to hear him play. They were so amazed at his playing that they insisted on taking his trombone apart, refusing to believe that it was natural. Finally one German said: "No one can play so well. It is a Yankee trick."[3]

In 1902 after the death of his father he ended his association with Sousa and organize the Pryor band. He led its debut at the Majestic Theatre in New York City on November 15, 1903. For 30 years thereafter, Pryor's band was an American institution. He made his first appearance in Asbury Park, New Jersey, at the Shore in 1904, where he continued to play until 1930. The Pryor Band toured until 1909, when he decided to settle down and make Asbury Park the home of the band. Also at this time, he became a staff conductor and arranger for the Victor Talking Machine Company in Camden, New Jersey.