2011 Sudler Trophy Awarded to Notre Dame Band

Notre Dame is a university known for traditions and history, and its marching band is certainly included in those conversations.

In 1976 it was declared a "Landmark of American Music" by the National Music Council and the Indiana Music Educators Association and is the oldest college band (in continuous existence) in the United States.

On December 17, 2010 it added yet another distinction to its storied existence: 2011 Sudler Trophy winner.

The Sudler Trophy was awarded to the University of Notre Dame Band for its "outstanding contributions to the American way of life."

Presentation of the trophy occurred during the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL, and Director of Bands Dr. Kenneth Dye was on hand to accept the award on behalf of the university.

I look for continued progress and success with the Notre Dame Band and wish to congratulate all the students, staff and supporters that have helped our program earn this recognition

Further details on the history of the Sudler Trophy, which is presented by the John Phillip Sousa Foundation, can be found here.

College football players have the Heisman Trophy. College bands have the Sudler Trophy.

Now Notre Dame has at least one of each to its name. Other schools with such a distinction include: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana State, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Texas, Texas A&M and UCLA.