Austin, TEXAS—Austin ISD’s James Bowie High School Outdoor Performing Ensemble was awarded as a 2013 Sudler Shield Recipient, the highest achievement a marching band can receive.

The jury of the Sudler Shield notified the recipients in December at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Convention, which is held in Chicago each year.

The John Philip Sousa Foundation sponsors the Sudler Shield. The Sudler award establishes and supports international standards of excellence in musical performance, marching execution, choreography and show design for high school, youth or international marching bands and identifies, recognizes and honors outstanding high school, youth and international marching bands.

The foundation receives nominations from around the globe of outstanding marching bands, but very few are selected. This year the Bowie Band was one of four recipients, alongside bands from Japan, Canada and Blue Springs, Mo. 

Dale Warren, the chairman of the Sudler Shield, will hold an award presentation for the band in May. This marks the second Sudler Shield for Bowie, with the first awarded in 2005. 

For more information, please contact the Department of Communications and Community Engagement at 414-2414.