Final answer:
John Philip Sousa did not invent the sousaphone but was influential in band music, being the director of the United States Marine Band and composing famous marches like 'The Stars and Stripes Forever.' He was not a director of a minstrel show band. The correct option is c.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Philip Sousa was a prominent figure in American music, best known for his role in popularizing band music with his compositions of marches. While Sousa did employ the upbeat tempo of ragtime in his works, he did not invent the sousaphone; it was named in his honor due to his influence on band music.
The sousaphone was actually designed by J.W. Pepper, a Philadelphia instrument maker, with Sousa's input. Sousa was also the director of the United States Marine Band and composed many popular marches, including the iconic “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Unlike Scott Joplin, who was a key figure in the creation and popularization of ragtime music, Sousa was not involved with minstrel show bands. Sousa's legacy is that of a composer and conductor who was especially skilled in creating stirring martial music that remains popular to this day.
Hence, Option c is correct.