Notre Dame Band Awarded Prestigious Sudler Trophy
The University of Notre Dame Band, a cornerstone of the university’s rich history and tradition, has been bestowed with the coveted Sudler Trophy, an honor often referred to as the “Heisman Trophy of college bands.” The award ceremony, a momentous occasion for the university, will take place during halftime of the Notre Dame vs. Air Force football game on October 8th, within the hallowed grounds of Notre Dame Stadium.
The John Philip Sousa Foundation, renowned for its dedication to celebrating excellence in collegiate marching bands, presents the Sudler Trophy to bands that have made exceptional contributions to the American cultural landscape. Notre Dame’s selection is a testament to both its historical significance and the current band’s unparalleled excellence. The award acknowledges the band’s enduring legacy and its continued commitment to musical artistry and performance.
The Sudler Trophy itself is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring a marble base supporting a bronze drum major poised atop a miniature football stadium. The drum major’s height, a precise 22.5 inches, mirrors the standard measurement of a marching step, a subtle nod to the band’s precision and dedication. Created by Dieges and Clust, the same artisans behind the prestigious Heisman Trophy, the Sudler Trophy will find a fitting home in the Ricci Band Rehearsal Hall at the University of Notre Dame.
Timothy Rhea, director of bands at Texas A&M University and chair of the Sudler Trophy Selection Committee, will present the award. Receiving this prestigious honor on behalf of the university will be Kenneth Dye, Notre Dame’s director of bands, and University President Rev. John Jenkins, C.S.C.
Established in 1845, the Notre Dame Band holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating college band in the United States. This remarkable longevity and unwavering commitment to musical excellence were further recognized in 1976, during the United States Bicentennial, when the band was declared a “Landmark of American Music” by the National Music Council and the Indiana Music Educators Association.
Beyond its rich history of concerts, campus celebrations, and religious ceremonies, the Band of the Fighting Irish has a long-standing tradition of providing musical accompaniment and pageantry for Notre Dame football games and athletic events. Its presence has been a constant since the university’s inaugural football game in 1887, a testament to its enduring connection to the university’s spirit and identity. The Sudler Trophy is a fitting tribute to this legacy of excellence.
