Records, ragtime, and the renowned composer, John Philip Sousa, have appeared on the Minneapolis music scene, much to the delight of Mark Morgan. Mark and his sister, Holly, have returned from their trip to San Francisco, but now Mark's best friend, Jens, isn't speaking to him. Holly's friends are jealous of her, and Mark and Holly's stepfather doesn't seem to have any time for his family. Mark soon finds that he must choose between doing what his mother and band teacher want him to do, or keeping his friendship with Jens. Holly must choose between being best friends with Camille or being friends with the other girls in her class. When the time comes to take action, will Mark and Holly find a way to make things right?