Members of the Iowa State Marching Band prepare for Saturday's Homecoming game performance. Video by Dave Olson
AMES, Iowa – The John Philip Sousa Foundation will present the Iowa State University Cyclone Football “Varsity” Marching Band with the Sudler Trophy during halftime of the Homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 28.
The award, announced last December, recognizes marching bands demonstrating the highest musical standards and innovative marching routines, as well as for important contributions to the advancement of performance standards over a period of years. It is only given once per school and recognizes both the current and historical excellence of the nation’s top collegiate marching bands.
“This is a significant award in the history of the Iowa State Marching Band,” said Michael Golemo, professor and director of bands at Iowa State. “The Cyclone Marching Band has provided football fans with superb performances for over 100 years and we are justifiably proud of our program and this legacy of excellence. We are humbled to be awarded the Sudler Trophy.”
Golemo says around 290 former band members, performing with the Alumni Band, will be at Saturday’s game and trophy presentation. The following directors – dating back to 1968 – will also attend.
- Acton Osting, Jr. – Marching Band Director from 1968-1972
- James McKinney – Marching Band Director from 1978-1983
- Theresa Christensen, on behalf of her late husband, Joseph Christensen – Director of Bands from 1979-1998
- Willis M. Rapp – Marching Band Director from 1984-1986
- Roger Cichy – Marching Band Director from 1986-1995
- Martin Province – Marching Band Director from 1996-2002
- Michael Golemo – Director of Bands from 1999-present
- Natalie Royston – Marching Band Director from 2010-2011
- William Staub – Marching Band Assistant Director from 2010-2012
- Christian Carichner – Director of the Marching Band from 2017-present
- Kara Bader – Assistant Director of the Marching Band for 2017-2018
The Homecoming game kicks off at 2:30 p.m.
Governor’s proclamation
Governor Kim Reynolds will also recognize the Cyclone Marching Band for the Sudler Trophy and its history of excellence. The governor will issue a proclamation at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, in the Governor’s Formal Office at the Iowa State Capitol.