The Sudler Silver Scroll

Chairperson: Gail Brechting gbrechting@sbcglobal.net

To identify, recognize and honor those community bands that have demonstrated particularly high standards of excellence in concert activities over a period of several years, and which have played a significant and leading role in the cultural and musical environment in their respective communities.

Bands nominated for the Sudler Silver Scroll award are asked to submit certain materials for evaluation by the committee:

1. Concert programs representing the three previous years. (copies OK)

2. 15 copies of a CD of no more than 30 minutes in length representing the band’s repertoire. This recording should be of music performed within the last year and MUST include at least one composition by John Philip Sousa.  A listing of the music should be included with the recordings. The timing of each work should be listed. Live performances are most desirable, but not necessary. A copy of the recording will be forwarded to each member of the Selection Committee prior to the meeting in December to allow them ample time to review it. DO NOT PUT THE NAME OF THE BAND ON THE CDs.

3. Press clippings or copies of press clippings about the band’s achievements from the three previous (or more) years.

4.  A photograph of the band in a concert setting taken with the past year or two.

5. A photograph and resume of the director.

6. Written recommendations from three or more band directors (not necessarily of community bands) of regional or national reputation who have heard or conducted the band recently.

7. Written comments from three or more local citizens documenting the band’s contribution to a high standard of cultural effectiveness in the community.

8.  A completed Application Form to be completed by the director and/or members of band for review by the Selection Committee.  (Form available upon request) 

To request informational packet including a CD of the type of music that should be submitted please contact:

Gail Brechting

15310 Oak Point Drive

Spring Lake, MI 49456

E-mail:  gbrechting@sbcglobal.net

Deadline for entry:  September lst. 

The Sudler Silver Scroll Award will consist of a handsome walnut plaque on which is mounted a silver scroll engraved with the name of the band and the director.  Certificates for each member of the band will be included along with the Diploma of the Sudler Order of Merit and a distinctive lapel pin for the director.

The Sudler Silver Scroll Award is administered by the John Philip Sousa Foundation and implemented by the Foundation’s Executive Committee.  The membership of the committee is as follows:

The John Philip Sousa Foundation is a publicly supported, educational foundation established for the purpose of organizing, sponsoring and administering projects contributing to the excellence of bands and band music throughout the world by recognizing excellence in it’s many forms wherever it may be found. The Foundation is governed by the executive committee which receives suggestions, advice and input from the board of directors and the advisory committee. No officer of the Foundation nor any committee member (excepting the Foundation’s attorney and tax accountant) receives any salary or financial compensation for services rendered.

1. Gail A. Brechting        

15310 Oak Point Dr.

Spring Lake, MI 49456

2. Ronald Keller

413 E. 11th Ave. 

Naperville, Il 60565

3.  Michael Burch-Pesses

5598 SE Sierra Street

Hillsboro, OR 97123 

4. Ray Lichtenwalter

1309 Redbud Dr. 

Arlington, TX 76012

5. Ronald Demkee 

4701 Akermans Ln.

Coopersburg, PA 18036 

6. Bryan Shelburne

5363 Whitehouse Plantation

Macon, GA 31210

7. Don Snowden

1020 E. Jordan St., Unit B

Pensacola, FL 325033

8. Richard Floyd 

690l Winterberry Dr.

Austin, TX 78750

9. David Gregory

10313 Big Canoe   

Big Canoe, GA 30143     

10. Christian Wilhjelm

P.O. Box 151

Ridgewood, NJ 07450

11. Gerald Guilbeaux

213 S Demanade Blvd 

Lafayette, LA 70503

12. Michael Willson

5916 S. Rita Lane

Tempe, AZ 85283