Click here to submit Sousa Award winners.
(Information must be submitted by school band directors - not students or parents. Winners from previous years, who are no longer students, may email us the information accompanied by a picture of the Sousa award with your name.)

Note: Director's names will be included for 2011 forward.
 

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2024
Elijah Aldrich Charleston High School, Charleston, AR. Class of 2024. Instrument: Horn, Director: Joshua Uhrich. Elijah is the quintessential music student. He devours music as if his life depends on it. He has played clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, and french horn in his time in the Charleston bands. 

Hunter Ambrosen Constantine High School, Constantine, MI. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trombone, Director: Crystal Sherd Chew. 

Olivia Ammon Troy Christian Schools, Troy, OH. Class of 2024. Instrument: Tuba, Director: Larry Kennon.

Adrian Araiza Career Academy South Bend, South Bend, IN. Class of 2024. Instrument: Clarinet, Director: Alice Koehler.

Lani Atkinson North Johnston High School, Kenly, NC. Class of 2024. Instrument: French Horn/Alto Sax, Director: Kevin Sevigny.

Julissa Barboza Rice Consolidated High School, Altair, TX. Class of 2024. Instrument: Flute, Director: Kasey Chitmon.

Neveah Bertrand Welsh High School, Welsh, LA. Class of 2024. Instrument: Clarinet, Director: Mack Golden.

Emmanuel Estrada Booker Junior High/High School, Booker, TX. Class of 2024. Instrument: Euphonium, Director: Mary Ann Spurlock.

Maddex Bragg Tolsia High School, Fort Gay, WV. Class of 2024. Instrument: Tuba, Director: Nicholas Bragg. Drum Major. All-County, All-Region.

Clay Brandenburger Twin River Public School, Genoa, NE. Class of 2024. Instrument: Alto Saxophone, Director: Joshua Reiff. Clay Brandenburger is an outstanding musician at Twin River. Being involved in both Choir and Band, he also finds time to come to most pep band games, and perform solos at District Music Contest. He also is a dedicated leader in the Twin River Marching Band.

Dane Brecount Van Buren County School District, Keosauqua, IA. Class of 2024. Instrument: Tuba/Bass, Director: Dave Adams. Tuba and Electric Bass player.

Ethan Bull Glenns Ferry High School, Glenns Ferry, ID. Class of 2024. Instrument: trumpet, Director: Shannon Wootan. Ethan has excelled at band over the last 8 years. He has taught himself to play the trumpet, piano, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, baritone, ukulele, and drums. Ethan is a member of the Pep Band, High School Modern Band, High School Concert Band as well as a band mentor for the elementary kids.

Adan Callejo Milan C-2, Milan, MO. Class of 2024. Instrument: Clarinet, Director: Stephen Till. Adan has been a member of the Emerald Regiment of Milan C-2 for 6 years, performing at a high level since the 7th grade. He has performed at the Truman State University Honor Band for 2 years, GRC Honor Band for 2 years, NEMO All-District Band 2 years, and National FFA Band 1 year. Adan has received both outstanding and exemplary ratings for his Solos at the District level, and has helped the Emerald Regiment Concert Band to earn an exemplary rating 2 years in a row.

Emanuel Chambers Hector High School, Hector, AR. Class of 2024. Instrument: Percussion, Director: Melissa Bays. Emanuel has exceeded expectations when it comes to band. He has consistently earned a spot in All-Region and earned a spot in All-State this year.

Maria May Collins Calhoun Middle High School, Mt. Zion, WV. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trumpet, Director: Michael McHenry. Maria May Collins, a stalwart of Calhoun Middle High School's performing arts for 8 years, distinguished herself through her exemplary attitude and leadership. Her role as a section leader in the marching band exemplifies her unwavering commitment and passion for music, inspiring peers along the way.

Trey Cosper Troup County High School, LaGrange, GA. Class of 2024. Instrument: Percussion, Director: Logan Huerta . Trey Cosper is a 5 year member of the Marching band under the direction of Logan Huerta. Trey comes from a long family history of musicians and has been playing the drums since around the age of 3. After high school, Trey plans to attend college and major in Commercial Music.

Samantha Cox Cherryvale High School, Cherryvale, KS. Class of 2024. Instrument: Percussion, Director: Tad Lafferty.

Rayanna Davis Crescent High School, Iva , SC. Class of 2024. Instrument: Alto Saxophone, Director: Travis Waters. Rayanna is the Band Captain, if a member of the Anderson All County Band, leadership team and plans to major in Music Education.

Kylee Duessler Sevastopol School, Sturgeon Bay, WI. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trumpet, Director: Tanya Hasenjager.

Steven Driscoll Hannan Junior Senior High School, Ashton, WV. Class of 2024. Instrument: Alto Saxophone, Director: Dr. John R. Carlisle. Steven was a percussionist and won the outstanding band member award in his 9th grade year. For various reasons, beyond both of our controls, he could not do band his 10th or 11th grade years. He came to me during the spring of his 11th grade year and informed me he would be back for his senior year. I was excited to have a good percussionist back in band. To my surprise, he said he wanted to learn the alto saxophone. He started in June and by the time we went to ratings in April, he was our soloist and section leader of 6 good players. He is now going to college as a music major on alto saxophone. In 35 years, I have never seen someone so dedicated, and progress so far in such a short time. 

Adelle Fox West High School, Knoxville, TN. Class of 2024. Instrument: Oboe, Director: Cody Foster.

Ethan Gao St. Mark's School of Texas, Dallas, TX. Class of 2024. Instrument: Alto Saxophone, Director: Analisa Rodriguez.

Isreal Garcia Sonora Secondary School, Sonora, TX. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trumpet, Director: Blake Zitterkopf. Isreal has participated in band since 6th grade. He was been a great student, player and role model for all others. He has competed in All-Region and Solo & Ensemble.

Sebastian Gonzalez Greenville High School, Greenville, TX. Class of 2024. Instrument: French Horn, Director: Matt Ownby.

Geovanni Guardado Gateway High School, Kissimmee, FL. Class of 2024. Instrument: Clarinet, Director: Jonathan Money. 2024 Band Captain in the Gateway High School Band Program.

Amanda Hammond Martinsville Jr./Sr. High, Martinsville, IL. Class of 2025. Instrument: Flute, Director: Presley Hillyard. Amanda has shown leadership and outstanding musicianship by working hard to learn her music, memorizing music without being asked, and working with younger students to help them improve their playing skills. She has helped out with many events that she was not required to be at. Amanda is my second-hand man in the music classroom.

David Han The First Academy, Orlando, FL. Class of 2024. Instrument: Alto Saxophone, Director: Erin Maza.

Seleny Elizabeth Remirez-Hathaway Glenns Ferry High School, Glenns Ferry, ID. Class of 2024. Instrument: flute, Director: Shannon Wootan. Seleny Remirez has been playing the flute since 7th grade, making this her 6th year playing the flute in band. She has performed in many concerts. Playing the flute is one of her passions in life; she loves it so much!

Robert Helmick Sebring McKinley High School, Sebring, OH. Class of 2024. Instrument: Tuba, Director: Nicholas Hughes.

Will Hernandez Faribault high school, Faribault, MN. Class of 2027. Instrument: Clarinet, Director: Andrew Dussi. He's always a great student and a great clarinet player. He always encourages his classmates to play and have fun.

Greyson Holland Wayne County High School, Waynesboro, MS. Class of 2025. Instrument: Trumpet, Director: Tiffany Broome.

Brianna M. Howard Archer City High School, Archer City, TX. Class of 2024. Instrument: Bass Clarinet, Director: Anthony Flores. Brianna has shown dedication and commitment to the PGWB. Her leadership skills have been vital in establishing a new culture in our band program.

Ethan Jakab Career Academy South Bend, South Bend, IN. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trumpet, Director: Alice Koehler.

Keenen Jones Nottoway High School, Crewe, VA. Class of 2024. Instrument: French Horn, Director: Carrie Smith. Born and raised in Nottoway County and began his musical Journey in the 7th grade after choosing the Trombone as his main instrument. Later switched to the French Horn during his Sophomore Year and has participated in various All-District and College Honor Band Performances. 

Maddy Jones Crescent High School, Iva, SC. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trombone, Director: Travis Waters. Drum Major 2 years. Anderson All County Band. Leadership Team. Plans to major in Music Education. 

Hanna Kadel Shickley Public School, Shickley, NE. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trumpet, Director: Julie Homolka. Hanna has show incredible leadership and commitment to instrumental music education throughout her high school career.

Charles Kaftan Sandusky Central Catholic School, Sandusky, OH. Class of 2024. Instrument: Clarinet and Percussion, Director: Mr. Griffith Gentilcore. Charles Kaftan is the current Sandusky Central Catholic School Student Band President. Charles is the principal clarinetist of the SCCS High School Band and was principal percussionist of the SCCS Marching Band. Thank You Charles for your years of service with the SCCS Instrumental Band Program! Congratulations!

Michael Klimjack Bayside Academy, Daphne, AL. Class of 2024. Instrument: Alto Saxophone, Director: Madison Harry.

Elijah Lamar Calhoun City High School, Calhoun City, MS. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trumpet, Director: Taylor S. Moore. Eli is a hard working young man who started his band career at Calhoun City High School. He is a tremendous player with a lot of talent and aspiration.

Kamari LeGree Charles Henderson High School, Troy, AL. Class of 2024. Instrument: Tuba, Director: Tyler L Logan. Kamari was a wonderful student that brought life and energy into anything she pursued. She's an excellent musician and amazing person.

Daniel Shoppbell Marshall Fundamental School, Pasadena, CA. Class of 2025. Instrument: Trumpet, Director: David Chase. Daniel is a very smart and resourceful young musician with lot of talent. He plays jazz, classical and athletic bands music and is currently the drum major for the school.

Tania Martin Page High School, Page, AZ. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trumpet, Director: Alex Moore.

Josh Mattingly Real Life Christian Academy, Clermont, FL. Class of 2024. Instrument: Alto Saxophone, Director: Auburn Lindsay. Josh began playing the saxophone (and snare drum in the drumline) in the seventh grade and quickly excelled, positioning himself in leadership at an early age. He has consistently played with strong musicianship and technical facility throughout his Middle and High School years. As a woodwind section leader and bass drummer in the line, he is highly regarded by his peers as a standard to which they should aspire.

Zakkary McCoy Abbeville High School, Abbeville, LA. Class of 2024. Instrument: Tuba, Director: Gabriel LeMoine. Zakkary McCoy is a Senior tuba player at Abbeville High School. He plans on studying Music at USM in the Fall. He hopes to one day either teach music or be a sound engineer for live music groups.

Caleb McMullen Hamilton High School, Hamilton, Indiana. Class of 2025. Instrument: Trumpet, Baritone Horn, Alto Saxophone, Snare Drum, Director: Ronald N. Richter, Jr.. 

Jovani Mendoza Emmett J Conrad High School, Dallas, TX. Class of 2025. Instrument: Trombone, Director: Sheena Meziere.

Gloria Monteen Trinity Academy, Industry, IL. Class of 2025. Instrument: Baritone, Director: Deanna Chatterton.

Lucas Moore West Nassau High, Callahan, FL. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trombone, Director: William Jason Eason. 

Adam Douglas Morrison Glenns Ferry High School, Glenns Ferry, ID. Class of 2024. Instrument: bass clarinet, Director: Shannon Wootan. Adam has been in band since the 6th grade. He has been selected for Honor Band two years in a row. Bass clarinet is his main instrument although he has taught himself other instruments.

Spencer Murdoff Campbell - Tintah Public Schools, Campbell, MN. Class of 2025. Instrument: Saxaphone, Director: Angie Glass. 

Sean Mahoney Narragansett Regional High School, Baldwinville, MA. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trombone, Tuba, Director: Thomas J. Salvadore. Sean is an outstanding student and Bandsman. Sean has been playing Trombone from the age of 10. He has given 8 years of dedicated service to our District. Sean does everything that is asked of him, he performs with the Concert Band, Marching Band, Chorus, Jazz Band and also appears in our annual school musicals. Sean has also mentored our younger plays with lessons after school. I can proudly nominate Sean for the John Philip Sousa Award unequivocally and without hesitation. Thank You, Musically Mr.Thomas J.Salvadore, NRHS Music.

Katy Jo Newman Ethel High School, Ethel, MS. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trumpet, Director: Shane Sprayberry. Katy Jo Newman is an all-state trumpet player and drum major for the Ethel Tiger Band. She regularly participates in clinics and community service projects and is a stellar musician and person. 

Elizabeth Oluwole Thornton Fractional North High School, Calumet City, IL. Class of 2024. Instrument: Percussion, Director: Pietro Pisello.

Evan Packer Barnesville High School, Barnesville, MN. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trombone, Director: Grace Tangen.

Gracie Pennel Dewey Public Schools, Dewey, OK. Class of 2024. Instrument: Clarinet, Director: Denton Bodine. Gracie has been in the band for 7 years and has always played an important role in the program. She is an exceptional leader and student throughout the years and enjoys the little things of our program.

Mich Pfeffer Berkeley Springs High School, Berkeley Springs, WV. Class of 2024. Instrument: Flute, Director: Robert Myers.

Skyler Phillips Chesapeake High School, Pasadena, MD. Class of 2024. Instrument: Clarinet, Director: Gilbert Rupp. 

Sarah Pierce Greenup County High School, Greenup, KY. Class of 2024. Instrument: Flute/Piccolo and Piano, Director: Bradley E. Coleman. Sarah showed dedication to the band program at Greenup County High School through her commitment to excellence, superior instrumental technique, leadership qualities, and unwavering positive attitude. In addition to her studies and extracurricular involvement, Sarah was the accompanist for the choir, flute section leader, and the first student from Greenup County to attend the KMEA All-State Band in 20 years.

Cortnee Pinion Strayhorn High School, Sarah, MS. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trumpet, Director: Buster Harris.

Damian Anthony Porras Harlingen High School, Harlingen, TX. Class of 2024. Instrument: Tenor Saxophone, Director: Maria Coronado. Texas All-State Marching band member - 3 years, Texas All-State Band Member -2024, UIL Area Jazz finalist - 2023 and 2024, UIL State Solo and Ensemble Silver Medalist, Marching band Section Leader along with many Outstanding Jazz Musician awards since 7th grade. He is also the winner of the Harlingen High School Louis Armstrong Jazz Award 2024.

Claire Rucker Sumner-Fredericksburg High School, Sumner, IA. Class of 2024. Instrument: Percussion, Director: Ethan Koch.

Brysen Rodriguez Lincolnton High School, Lincolnton, NC. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trombone, Director: William R Fisher. Brass Captain, Featured Soloist in the Wolfpack Marching Band, SCDBA All-District Band Participant (1st Chair Trombone), All-State Audition Eligible.

Alexandria Rish Uvalde High School, Uvalde, TX. Class of 2024. Instrument: Saxophone/Clarinet/Drum Major, Director: Abel Granados. Ms. Alexandria Rish is the head drum major for the Uvalde Coyote Band and holds the rank of Colonel with pride! In her time at Uvalde High School Col. Rish has displayed impeccable leadership skills, as well as tremendous talent as a performer of the Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone and Clarinet in various ensembles at Uvalde HS. In her capacity as drum major she conducted the Uvalde Coyote Band at all official functions. She was active in our Jazz Program under the tutelage of Jazz Director Darren McCarty.

Luke Sanchez Payne Harper High School, Harper, TX. Class of 2024. Instrument: Baritone, Director: Sarah Rose.

Ryder Schuch Saint Viator High School, Arlington Heights, IL. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trumpet, Director: Anetta Fortner.

Jadyn Shull FJ Turner High School, Beloit, WI. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trombone, Director: William Brown. 

Rylan Tally Bonham ISD, Bonham, TX. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trumpet, Director: Chris Dickson.

Lane Thompson Waskom High School, Waskom, TX. Class of 2024. Instrument: Saxophone, Director: Jeremy Gressman. Always willing to help improve the band, Lane has been an outstanding member of our band and truly embodies the spirit of a band kid. His love for the group always shows.

Abie VanDuienen Pentwater Public School, Pentwater, MI. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trombone, Director: Jesse Rodriguez.

Joshua Vazquez Rice Consolidated High School, Altair, TX. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trumpet, Director: Kasey Chitmon. 

Peyton Wasson Plains High School, Plains, MT. Class of 2024. Instrument: Clarinet, Director: Loren Lauridson.

Weston Westerman Trico High School, Campbell Hill, IL. Class of 2024. Instrument: Trumpet, Director: Erica Adams.

Gavin Wiens Redding Christian School, Palo Cedro, CA. Class of 2025. Instrument: Alto Saxophone, Director: Kim Davis. Gavin Wiens is an extremely talented musician and is very dedicated to learning his craft. Gavin is an exceptional student, mentor and peer and is always helping those around him.

Kompton Zukowski Iroquois Jr./Sr. High School, Erie, Pennsylvania. Class of 2024. Instrument: Percussion/Trumpet, Director: Chris Wise. Kompton has grown so much as a musician and a person throughout my time with him in band. He participated in marching band as snare drummer and as a drum major his senior year. Kompton has had too many accomplishments to mention, but just to name one, he earned a DCA World Championship in the summer of 2024.