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The Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Trophy, which has been called the
“Heisman Trophy of marching bands,” is used to “identify
and recognize collegiate marching bands of particular excellence.”
The trophy is awarded to “a college or university marching band
that has demonstrated the highest musical standards and innovative marching
routines and ideas, and that has made important contributions to the advancement
of the performance standards of college marching bands over a period of
years.”
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LSU Tiger Marching Band Awarded
the “Heisman Trophy of Marching Bands”
Most LSU fans will tell you the “Golden Band from Tigerland”
is one of the best marching bands in America. The John Phillip Sousa Foundation
agreed and awarded the LSU Tiger Marching Band the 2002 Sudler Trophy,
the highest honor a college marching band can receive.
The LSU band has a long and colorful history. In 1893, influenced by
the U.S. military, LSU established its own 11-member Cadet Band. By the
turn of the century the Cadet Band became a marching unit. Tours throughout
the state and appearances at New Orleans Mardi Gras celebrations became
early traditions for the band, who made its first half-time appearance
in Tiger Stadium in 1924.
By the 1930s, Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long took a personal interest
in the LSU band, setting it on a unique course toward national prominence.
Long even co-wrote several songs for the band, including “Touchdown
for LSU,” still the predominant song featured in LSU’s pregame
show. Wanting the band to be second to none, the governor planned to make
it bigger and better. He imported Castro Carazo, orchestra leader at the
New Orleans Roosevelt Hotel, as the new bandmaster. Long even had the
band exchange its military dress for a showy stadium look.
Today, the LSU Tiger Marching Band, consisting of 325 musicians, the
Golden Girls, and the Color Guard, is one of the most important symbols
of LSU’s pride and tradition. Before each home football game, thousands
of LSU fans anxiously await the arrival of the band to ignite the crowd
as the Tigers take the field.
Last updated September 2002
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