West Chester U.'S "INCOMPARABLE" Golden Rams Marching Band Awarded Prestigious Sudler Trophy

West Chester PA

08 April, 2021

7:07 PM

Description

Press release from West Chester University: September 18, 2019 As a recipient of the award, WCU's "INCOMPARABLE" Golden Rams Marching Band joins the ranks of marching bands from top Division I schools including Ohio State University, Penn State University, University of Notre Dame and others. In all, 32 recipients have been honored with the Sudler Trophy since the award's inception in 1982. In addition to representatives from the Sousa Foundation, on-hand to accept the trophy were the band's current 324 members, hundreds of alumni of the band, fans attending the game, and four generations of "INCOMPARABLE" Golden Rams Band Directors dating back to 1968: Dr. James Wells '54 – marching band director from 1968 – 1992, and the Wells School of Music's namesake Dr. John Villella '76, M '82, current vice president for University Affairs and chief of staff – marching band director from 1992-2007 Dr. Andrew Yozviak '91, current director of bands – marching band director from 2007-2018 Professor Adam Gumble '05 M'16 - current director of athletic bands and marching band director The trophy, designed by distinguished artist Ed Blackwell, sits atop a marble base and consists of a bronze drum major astride a football stadium. It measures exactly 22½ inches from the base to the tip of the drum major's mace; precisely the size of a standard 8 to 5 step in marching. It will be on display in the Wells School of Music for the next two years. John Villella, former band director current vice president for University Affairs and chief of staff says, "This is a significant award in the history of our beloved 'INCOMPARABLE' Golden Rams. Our band has thrilled fans with top-notch performances for well over 100 years and we are justifiably proud of our program and this legacy of excellence." About "INCOMPARABLE" Golden Rams Marching Band The Golden Rams Marching Band performs regularly at WCU football games, numerous exhibition events throughout the region and at special events for the university and community. The band has performed at Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, New York Giants and Washington Redskins football games. The group has been featured during Philadelphia Phillies World Series appearances, marched in New York's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Golden Rams have performed in exhibition at the 2013 Atlanta Regional, the 2012 Pittsburgh Regional, and at the Bands of America Grand National Championships in both 2009 and 2018. Golden Rams Marching Band This press release was produced by West Chester University. The views expressed here are the author's own.