To identify, recognize and honor high school band programs internationally that have demonstrated particularly significant high standards of excellence in concert activities over a period of several years.

Ensembles will be evaluated in three divisions: smaller schools (under 1,000 students grades 9-12), all other US entries, & international entries. Bands receiving The Sudler Flag of Honor will receive a unique and colorful nylon flag executed in red, white, and blue, trimmed with gold fringe. The flag is four by six feet in size. The director will be given an engraved plaque and each of the members of the band will receive a handsome individualized diploma. All Sudler Flag of Honor Bands are automatically included in the Sousa Foundation's Historic Roll of Honor of outstanding high school concert bands.

You have the option to either fill out the digital form application or the downloadable pdf application form. Only one of the two options is needed. 

Option 1 - Digital Application Form

Applicants for US bands may fill out the digital application by clicking here to complete the US application. Applicants outside of the US can click here to complete the International application.  

Option 2 - Downloadable PDF Application Form

Applicants for US bands may download the application by clicking here to download the US application. Applicants outside of the US can click here to download the International application.

The nominations will be evaluated by the Selection Committee established by the Sousa Foundation. The Selection Committee is composed of a number of active and successful high school band directors together with college and university band directors who themselves have had a number of years of successful high school band experience. There are no specific number of schools honored each year. The awards will be announced in January after the approval of nominations each year in December. Recipients will be notified by the Executive Committee of The John Philip Sousa Foundation.

The award is administered by The John Philip Sousa Foundation and implemented by its Executive Committee.

The Sudler Flag of Honor awards are made possible through the generosity of Louis and Virginia Sudler.
Louis Sudler (1903-1992) was a rare combination of successful business man, a performing artist, and a nationally known patron of the arts. He was the founder of the Chicago real estate firm, Sudler and Company; his urge for achievement in the business world was equaled only by his intense desire to assist and inspire talented young musicians.

Mr. Sudler appeared nationally as a soloist in concerts, oratorio, with symphony orchestras, with concert bands, at functions honoring five United States presidents, and as a recording artist. A baritone, he was a member of the Chicago Civic Opera.

Louis Sudler had long expressed his interest in the arts, not only as a successful performing musician but as a patron of the arts, vitally interested in recognizing outstanding accomplishments, particularly by students at the high school and college levels. He was founder and host of the Peabody award-winning television program, "Artist's Showcase," which ran for 14 years. He was internationally known for his leadership of The Orchestral Association of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and served on the boards of many art institutions in this country. Over the years he established scholarships and awards for young talented musicians through the Louis Sudler Foundation and the Sousa Foundation.
His wife, Virginia Brown Sudler (1911-2003), herself a patron of the arts, remained active in The John Philip Sousa Foundation, serving as Vice-President on the Executive Board until her death.

For a complete listing of committee members and bands since 1920, click here: Historic Roll of Honor