Who is Louis Sudler?

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Louis Sudler (1903-1992)

 

The Sudler Flag of Honor awards are made possible through the generosity of Louis and Virginia Sudler.

 

Louis Sudler was a rare combination of successful business man, a performing artist, and a nationally known patron of the

arts. He was the founder of the Chicago real estate firm, Sudler

and Company; his urge for achievement in the business world

was equaled only by his intense desire to assist and inspire

talented young musicians.

 

Mr. Sudler appeared nationally as a soloist in concerts, oratorio,

with symphony orchestras, with concert bands, at functions

honoring five United States presidents, and as a recording artist.

A baritone, he was a member of the Chicago Civic Opera.

 

Louis Sudler had long expressed his interest in the arts, not only

as a successful performing musician but as a patron of the arts,

vitally interested in recognizing outstanding accomplishments,

particularly by students at the high school and college levels.

He was founder and host of the Peabody award-winning

television program, "Artist's Showcase," which ran for 14 years.

He was internationally known for his leadership of The

Orchestral Association of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and

served on the boards of many art institutions in this country.

Over the years he established scholarships and awards for

young talented musicians through the Louis Sudler Foundation and the Sousa Foundation.

 

His wife, Virginia Brown Sudler, a patron of the arts, remains active in The John Philip Sousa Foundation, serving as Vice-President on the Executive Board. 

 

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What is the Sudler Flag of Honor?

 

The Sudler Flag of Honor is...

 

• An international award that recognizes high school concert bands of outstanding musical excellence. 

 

• Administered by The John Phillip Sousa Foundation.

 

• Sponsored by Louis and Virginia Sudler.

 

 

What Is The Purpose?

 

To identify, recognize and honor high school band programs internationally that have demonstrated particularly significant high standards of excellence in concert activities over a period of several years.

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What Is The Criteria For Consideration?

 

The band must have achieved and maintained a high standard of excellence in the concert area over a period of several years.

 

The concert band will have placed itself in situations where there has been opportunity for evaluation by qualified persons or has been rated "superior" at state, regional, or national levels in concert activities.

 

The band program must offer its participants a complete and balanced program of musical activities including concert, solo, ensemble, and marching areas.

 

The band should have performed at regional, state, national, and professional meetings of significance.  These can include but are not limited to state music conventions, regional or national MENC meetings, and state or national band association conventions.

 

The director must have been incumbent in his/her position for at least seven years, including the current year.

 

A number of students in the band should have participated in district and all-state honor bands or similar all-area groups.

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