TROY – Dr. John M. Long, the founding director of the “Sound of the South” Marching Band at Troy University, has been honored for his efforts to support women in the band movement.

Dr. Long received the Al G. Wright Award from Women Band Directors International at the organization’s annual meeting in December at the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago. The award honors “outstanding and continued support of women band directors over a long period of time,” and is named for the former director of bands at Purdue University. Dr. Long is only the third recipient of the Wright Award.

“This award meant a lot to me not only because I have supported women in band, but also because it’s named for Dr. Al G. Wright, who I believe has done more for the band movement in the United States than anyone, living or dead,” Dr. Long said.