Bridgeland High School Band Honored with Prestigious Sudler Shield Award
The Bridgeland High School band program was presented with the John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Shield Award for Marching Excellence on May 2 at the CFISD Visual and Performing Arts Center.
The Sudler Shield Award is presented each year to outstanding high school marching bands that have demonstrated the highest standards of musical performance, marching technique and visual excellence over a period of years. Out of more than 35,000 public and private high schools in the U.S. and others across the globe, only 101 band programs have received the Sudler Shield since its inception in 1987. Bridgeland is only the second program in CFISD history to earn the prestigious award. Langham Creek High School received the award in 2006.
The Bridgeland High School band program was presented with the John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Shield Award“I could not be more excited and proud of our band students, the wonderful team of educators, the Bridgeland High School community and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD,” said Shawn McAnear, Bridgeland head band director. “Being able to represent our community with this national recognition is truly amazing and a testament to the hard work from all involved in our program from the very beginning in 2017.”
Since its inception, the Bridgeland band program has earned seven consecutive UIL sweepstakes, is a two-time Cypress Showcase Marching Festival champion, a two-time Lone Star Preview champion, five-time Battle at the Berry class champion and four-time grand champion, four-time Bands of America regional and super regional finalist, two-time UIL area champion and a four-time UIL State Marching Band participant and current state finalist.
The Bridgeland color guard is a multiple WGI regional and TCGC finalist and medalist, a four-time The Bridgeland color guard is a multiple Winter Guard International (WGI) regional and Texas Color Guard Circuit (TCGC) finalist and medalist, a four-time class champion and a 2022 WGI World Championship finalist.
The Bridgeland percussion program is also a consistent WGI regional and TCGC finalist and medalist, a regional champion and a 2024 WGI World Championship finalist.
In addition, Bridgeland concert bands have received a combined 21 UIL sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert and Sightreading competitions for superior performance.
The Bridgeland percussion program is a consistent WGI regional and TCGC finalist and medalist, “CFISD is proud to hear that Bridgeland High School is receiving this prestigious award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation,” said John Morrison, director of fine arts. “Bridgeland High School is the youngest marching band program in the award’s history to win this recognition on its first available ballot and that is a reflection of the great program leadership by their director of bands, Shawn McAnear.”
Source: CFISD
