| Distinguished Service to Music Medal | |
|---|---|
 Distinguished Service to Music Medal, obverse | |
| Awarded for | "Exceptional service to American bands and band music"[1] |
| Presented by | Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity |
| First awarded | 1964 |
| Last awarded | 2024 |
The Distinguished Service to Music Medal is an award presented by Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity. It is awarded to people who have contributed to the advancement of the wind band "as a cultural, musical and educational medium."[2] The Distinguished Service to Music Medal has been awarded 156 times to 153 recipients.
The decoration itself is a golden star enameled in the fraternity colors of blue and white. The star, which symbolizes the fraternity ritual and motto, "Strive for the Highest", is surrounded by a golden laurel wreath, symbolizing achievement. Upon the star is the fraternity crest and the words "Distinguished Service" with the Greek letters "ΚΚΨ." The medal is surmounted by a lyre representing the field of music. The decoration may be worn suspended by a blue and white ribbon, for formal occasions or musical performances. The medal was designed by Jack K. Lee, Grand President from 1963 to 1965, and was first awarded to ten men and women.[3]
- ^ Kappa Kappa Psi (2011). "Kappa Kappa Psi National Awards". In Smith, Nick (ed.). Guide to Membership for the 2011–2013 Biennium (PDF). Stillwater, OK: Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma. pp. 54–55. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-01-02. Retrieved 2012-12-20.
- ^ Wasserman, Paul, ed. (1982). "Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity". Awards, Honors, & Prizes. Vol. I: United States and Canada. Detroit: Gale Research Company. p. 373. ISBN 9780810304451.
- ^ Lee, Jack K. (May 1984). "Distinguished Service to Music Medal". Medal Collector. 35 (5). Orders and Medals Society of America: 4–5.