Foundation Projects and Awards

The first project of the John Philip Sousa Foundation was the dedication of the stage of the John F. Kennedy National Cultural Center in the name of John Philip Sousa on October 7, 1971. The dedication was the culmination of the Sousa Foundation's efforts that raised $100,000.00, primarily from schools and students throughout the country under the guidance of Colonel George S. Howard. The stage was formally dedicated at a gala concert by the premier bands of the U.S. Armed Services attended by President Nixon and the host of dignitaries.
Since that beginning in 1971, the Sousa Foundation has developed a great number of projects of benefit to band music, students, and directors. Through the generosity of Louis and Virginia Sudler, a number of Louis Sudler Awards of Merit have been developed to recognize outstanding musicians both in the community and throughout the world.

• The Sousa National High School Honors Band is held biennially and was first organized in 1981.
• The Sudler Trophy is awarded annually to one of America's outstanding university bands for its major influence in the establishment and maintanance of high standards of musical and marching performance.
• The Sudler International Composition Competition is a biennial competition which recognizes outstanding wind band composers.
• The Sudler Flag recognizes outstanding achievement of high school concert bands.
• The Sudler Cup similarly recognizes bands at the junior high school level.
• The Sudler Shield recognizes high school marching bands.
• The Sudler Scroll recognizes outstanding community bands.
• The Legion of Honor recognizes outstanding high school band directors with a long history of dedicated service to bands.
• The George Solti International Young Conductors Competition is held biennially and recognizes young wind band conductors.
• The Historic Roll of Honor endowed by Al G. Wright, recognizes outstanding high school bands from 1920 to 1980, selected by committees representing each era.  Information is posted within The Sudler Flag.
  
• The Historical Marker Project recognizes and identifies sites where the original Sousa Band performed.
  
• The Badge of the Order is awarded to students participating in the Sousa National Honors Band.
• The Star of the Order and The Medal of the Order are awarded to acknowledge achievement at the highest level.
• The Diploma of the John Philip Sousa Foundation recognizes individuals who have devoted exceptional service to the Foundation and the musical community.
• The Sousa Statue Project recognizes Sousa with a bronze statue, to be placed at the new Marine Band facility in Washington, D.C.
• Dr. Robert Hawkins Memorial Scholarship is awarded to two students who are working toward a degree in instrumental (band) music education.  
  

 Updated June 2008