John W. Casto

(August 1, 1879- May 8, 1950) was an American band composer and conductor. Casto was born in Danville, Illinois, on August 1, 1879. After he completed his education at the University of Heidelberg in Germany, he returned to his hometown, where he became an educator, literary and music critic, performing musician, and organizer of the Rock Island, Illinois, band. Sometimes using the pseudonym of Jean Kastowsky, he left behind numerous marching compositions, including the Royal Bridesmaids March for band (1908) and Al-Fresco, also a march for band. In 1942 he moved to California, and died at Escalon, California, on May 8, 1950.