The Wisconsin Concert Band Association is proud to offer several Director Awards to be presented at the annual WCBA Convention. The awards will be presented at the 41st WCBA Convention in Eau Claire, WI, on Saturday, January 16, 2027. Please take the time to read the descriptions of these awards and nominate worthy individuals.  Nominations are due by November 1st, 2026.

Harvard Erdman Lifetime Achievement Award
Established in 2024, this award was named for one of the founders of WCBA, Harvard Erdman, who served for many years as the secretary of WCBA. Harv was the Director of Bands at Wautoma High School. This award does not have to be awarded every year, but is reserved for individuals of outstanding merit.
CRITERIA: Candidate must be a current or former resident of Wisconsin who has demonstrated a commitment to instrumental music through teaching, conducting, or service to the art, and who has made outstanding contributions to instrumental music in Wisconsin.

Dr. Edgar P. Thiessen Distinguished Service Award
Established in 2024 and named in honor of Dr. Egdar P. Thiessen, a founding member of WCBA. Edgar Thiessen was the Director of Bands at Lakeland College and Silver Lake College. He was also the conductor of the Kiel Municipal Band.
CRITERIA: Candidate must be an individual whose contributions to the organization are exemplary and/or go beyond the normal services provided for the operation of the Wisconsin Concert Band Association.

Outstanding Young Band Director Award
Established in 2024, this award honors teachers with one or fewer years of experience,
CRITERIA: Candidate must be a current WCBA member who exhibits characteristics of a master teacher including enthusiasm, energy, musicianship, student rapport, and professionalism; who has made a considerable impact on the size, quality of performance, festival involvement, and visibility of a program; and who has made a commitment to the community through civic band organizations, youth activities, or civic service organizations.

Outstanding Band Director Award
Established in 2024, to recognize significant contributions as a school band director.
CRITERIA: Candidate must be a current WCBA member with a minimum of ten years of experience who exhibits characteristics of a master teacher of students within grades 5-12.