The Bassett High School Band of Distinction has been awarded the 2025 Sudler Shield Award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation for its world-class level of excellence.
The Sudler Shield is an international award recognizing high school, youth, and international marching bands. It is awarded by the Sousa Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to the promotion of international understanding through the medium of band music.
The award was created to establish and support international standards of excellence in musical performance, marching execution, choreography, and show design for marching bands. It also identifies, recognizes, and honors outstanding bands, such as the BHS Band of Distinction.
“I am so excited for all the Band students who have been a part of making this happen,” BHS Principal Michael Minter said. “It is an honor to serve as the Bassett High School Principal and witness firsthand the hard work that each student, staff member, and parent puts in every day to make our band one of the best in the world. Thank you to the students, staff, parents, and Mr. Harris for always showcasing just how special it is to be a Bengal.”
Only 20 U.S. States are represented in the award recipients, and BHS is only the second Virginia band to be recognized. The award itself is not something any band can just apply for; it is nomination-based.
Once nominated, BHS Band Director Trey Harris assembled a submission that included videos, a band biography and resume, fact sheets, and more for the selection committee. The award doesn’t just recognize the current band, but the BHS Band’s body of work over a period of several years.
“The Bassett High School Band of Distinction is deeply honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award,” Harris said. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it represents a long-standing heritage of students, parents, and staff members who have consistently strived for excellence at the local, state, and national levels.”
“This award is not the result of a single year’s efforts, but rather the culmination of many years of dedication, hard work, and success. We are thrilled for both our past and current students to be recognized on a national stage,” Harris added. “We are incredibly proud to represent Bassett High School and Henry County each time we step onto the field. Our students are taught that it is not where you come from that defines you, but how hard you are willing to work together to achieve a common goal. As we often say: ‘Make results, not excuses.’”
