University of Wisconsin Marching Band Director Michael Leckrone has been awarded a lifetime achievement award in music, marking the second time this award has ever been given.

The award, granted by the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music, recognizes Wisconsin residents who have excelled in music education. It has only been awarded previously to Waukesha native Les Paul, who invented the first electric guitar and multi-track music recording systems.

“We didn’t want this one to be shallow, just another award — we really felt like recipients really needed to be of that high standard to receive it,” Wisconsin Foundation for School Music Director of Communications Kevin Thays said. “It really speaks to so many of the achievements of his life that we feel should be honored.”

Leckrone, who is in his 39th year directing the marching band, said he is glad to be the second recipient of this award along with a “giant in the music business,” adding this is “not the end of the road.”

“When you hear the words ‘lifetime achievement,’ it sounds like you’re done, and I don’t really consider myself done,” Leckrone said. “I feel like we have things we can do with the band and make improvements, and I still have enough energy that I think I’m going to do it for a little bit longer.”

UW senior Daniel Bauer, marching band assistant drum major, said it is clear Leckrone has built quite the reputation at UW, and that reputation is “nothing but respect.”

“It’s not very secretive — what you see is his obvious dedication to what we’re doing and always determined to make us better, even though we can sometimes be a little resistant to the idea,” Bauer said.

Leckrone said his success comes from setting higher standards for the band each year , and he already has a plan for the UW football game against Ohio State University this Saturday.

“The strategy is to give one of our ‘in-your-face’ kind of a show, which I think is what we do best,” Leckrone said.

The award will be officially presented to Leckrone Wednesday, Nov. 14, at the Monona Terrace.