William A. Sima

LT William A. Sima was born in Baltimore in 1892 and attended City College, a high school with a strong academic heritage. At the age of 15 he began his professional career as a musician as the musical director at the Wilson Theatre. Prior to his military band service he conducted pit bands in New York and Washington, performed as violinist at the old Caswell Hotel, and at the age of 18 played for Lillian Russell in a musical comedy, and for Margaret Anglin in "Lady Windermere's Fan." In the summer of 1918 he played with Victor Herbert in the "Red Mill" and "Naughty Marietta," at the premiere performance at Ford's Theatre. For 19 years after coming to Annapolis he played in various theatres and picture show houses, up until movietones replaced the silent films.

He joined the Naval Academy Band in 1910 at the age of 18 and served as Assistant Leader for many years. He became H. J. Peterman's successor in 1933 and served as USNA Band Leader until 1946.

LT Sima has a creditable number of musical compositions to his credit, including the "Victory March" and many football songs, as well as innumerable scores for academy shows such as "Gangway" and "Cease Firing." In the summer of 1933 twenty members of the band participated in the midshipmen practice cruise and somewhere in mid-ocean between the Madeira Islands and Halifax, LT Sima and Midshipmen Collins and Martin wrote the words to the Victory March in about 15 minutes. A day or so later he completed a musical arrangement and introduced the song to the Brigade Midshipmen. The song is performed at most sporting events to this day.

His son, William R. Sima, Jr., was also a member in the USNA Band.

(information from Mr. Bruce Horner)

HISTORY