The Kansas State University Marching Band, also called “The Pride of Wildcat Land,” was awarded the Sudler Trophy on Friday, according to a K-State press release. The trophy, handed out every other year by the John Phillip Sousa Foundation, is awarded to a college or university marching band that “has demonstrated the highest musical standards and innovative marching routines and leads.”
Frank Tracz, professor of music, has led the band since he joined the university in 1993.
“This award is unbelievably special for the band,” Tracz said in the release. “Over the last 20-plus years I have watched other band programs being recognized with the Sudler and have always thought that we could do this here at K-State. There are literally thousands of students, staff, directors and administrators who share in this honor.”
The band will be performing in San Antonio when the Wildcats play UCLA in the Alamo Bowl on Jan. 2.
