McLean High School Band To Receive Sudler Flag At May Concert

The McLean High School Band will be presented with the Sudler Flag of Honor by the John Philip Sousa Foundation on Wednesday, May 30. The awards ceremony will follow the Symphonic Band Sudler Concert that begins at 8 p.m. at the McLean High School Auditorium.

The Sudler Flag is widely known as the highest possible award that a high school band program can achieve at the national level. The McLean High School Band program is one of only a few band programs in the nation that have received two of these awards. The band first won the award in 2000.

The McLean High School Band learned late last year it would receive the Sudler Flag of Honor. This award is given to recognize programs that have maintained a history of excellence in performance over an extended period of time under the same director. The award honors all aspects of the band program - concert band, marching band, guard, jazz, all-state, all-district, and percussion.

"I'd like to thank all of the students, past and present, who have been a part of this history," McLean High School Director of Bands, Mr. Chris Weise when announcing the award to students. "It is truly an honor to work with you all. This would not be happening without the hard work demonstrated by all of the students every day over many years. You take pride in your work. You perform well because you have pride in your group."

The McLean band program is made up of 240 students in several band programs. These include symphonic band, wind ensemble, concert band, percussion ensemble, jazz ensemble, chamber ensemble, marching band, color guard/winter guard, and pep band. The nationally recognized band program plays throughout the year at home football games, competitions, concerts and other community events. Since 1993, it has won over 50 competitions and awards.

For more information, visit the McLean High School Band program's website.

Image via McLean High School Band