On the other hand, I figured I would provide you, gentle reader, with some real inspiration. Therefore, partake:
The Michigan Marching Band, I have recently discovered, was the first to be awarded the Sudler Trophy, in 1981. A description:
The purpose of the Sudler Trophy is to identify and recognize collegiate
marching bands of particular excellence who have made outstanding contributions
to the American way of life. The Sudler Trophy is awarded annually to a college
or university marching band which has demonstrated the highest musical standards
and innovative marching routines and ideas, and which has made important
contributions to the advancement of the performance standards of college
marching bands over a period of years.
No marching band may win more than once. All Big Ten schools except Wisconsin and Minnesota own a Sudler Trophy; Michigan State, for those of my readers hailing thence, won theirs in 1988.
Additionally, CollegeSports-Fans.com's Michael Shull, a well-travelled fan of both football and marching bands, ranked the MMB #10 on his Top Ten Marching Bands list in 2007: "Having seen the Michigan Marching Band in person on many occasions, I can tell you that this is a group which is rich in tradition with one of the most recognizable fight songs in the history of college athletics." The only other Big Ten school to appear was, of course, the Ohio State Marching Band, at #2. The University of Wisconsin received honorable mention.
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