Tony Sawyer, a lecturer and director of bands at Elon University, was awarded the national Paula Crider Award by the Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority at the Wind Ensemble's May 10 concert.
The award was created in 1999 to honor outstanding university band directors who have distinguished themselves in the field of university bands, and who, in addition, have been supportive of Tau Beta Sigma and its ideals.
Sawyer was this year’s recipient and was bestowed the award by Kathryn Delores Garrett Kelly, national vice-president for special projects, who came to the concert to present the award in person.
There are 234 universities that have active Tau Beta Sigma Chapters, including Indiana University, Stanford University and The Ohio State University. The award goes to just one collegiate band director per year.