THE SUDLER SILVER SCROLL
Awarded annually by the John Philip Sousa Foundation, the Sudler Silver Scroll recognizes community bands that have demonstrated a consistently high level of excellence and have made a significant musical and cultural contribution. The criteria for the award, as published by the John Philip Sousa Foundation:
- The band must have achieved and maintained particularly high standards of excellence in concert performances and have selected a high level of musical literature over a period of years.
- The conductor must be incumbent in his or her position for a minimum of five years including the current year.
- The band must have demonstrated a record of contributing significantly to the high standards of cultural environment in its community both by its performances and by involving a high percentage of community residents as performers.
The Sudler Silver Scroll was awarded to the Medalist Concert Band in 1996.
Special Appearances
The Medalist Concert Band has been invited to perform at prestigious music conferences throughout its existence. Those performances include:
- The Iowa Bandmasters Association. The Iowa Bandmasters Association (IBA) was founded "to foster and promote the establishment of bands and to cooperate in the establishment and improvement of bands and band music in the State of Iowa in general." The IBA has grown to a membership of over 1,000, most of whom are directors of school bands. It is one of the largest and most active of all state bandmasters organizations in the country. Its driving force has kept good bands and good band music thriving in communities of all sizes throughout the State of Iowa.
- The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference. The Midwest Clinic, held every year in Chicago, "exists for educational purposes exclusively; to raise the standards of music education; to improve the methods employed in music education; to develop new teaching techniques; to disseminate to school music teachers, directors, supervisors, and others interested in music education information to assist in their professional work; to examine, analyze and appraise literature dealing with music; to hold clinics, lectures, and demonstrations for the betterment of music education; and in general to assist teachers and others interested in music education in better pursuing their profession." Attended by 12,000 annually, all 40 states and more than 30 countries are represented. Performances are given by 30 organizations, including concerts by grade school, middle school, high school, college, military, adult, and professional groups. The Medalist Concert Band has appeared at the Clinic three times, most recently at the 56th Annual Conference, held December 17–21, 2002.
- Music Educators National Conference (MENC). The MENC conferences are attended by thousands of music educations from across the nation, and, from their mission statement, "are dedicated to advancing music education by encouraging the study and making of music by all." The Medalist Concert Band has appeared at MENC conferences twice, once in Minneapolis, MN, and once in Atlanta, GA.
- National Band Association Convention. The National Band Association is the largest band organization in the world. It was "organized for the purpose of promoting the musical and educational significance of bands and is dedicated to the attainment of a high level of excellence for bands and band music." The Medalist Concert Band has appeared at the National Band Association conventions on two occasions, once in Ames, IA, and once in Rochester, MN.
- Minnesota Music Educators Association. The MMEA is the state affiliate of the MENC. Their Midwinter Clinic features performing groups from around Minnesota. The Medalist Concert Band has made six appearances at the MMEA Midwinter Clinic.
Upcoming Performances
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