Eight Upper School Choir students were recognized for their outstanding work during the 2023-2024 school year:
The Grade 9 Vocal Music Achievement Award is presented to two students who have demonstrated personal initiative and dedication, an excellent work ethic, along with a willingness to give of themselves in order to better the vocal music program. While demonstrating these criteria, these students have been positive role models and remain resolute in their musical goals.
The 2024 recipients are Reina Banerjee ‘27 and Milton Duckworth ‘27.
The Director’s Award for Chorus is presented to a sophomore who shows great promise in the choral program through musicianship and leadership, cooperation and enthusiasm, as well as in their own music growth over the course of the year. This award recognizes an emerging young musical leader who demonstrates a positive attitude and brings a spirit of cohesion to their choir.
The 2024 recipient is Akira Washington ’26.
The Eleventh Grade Musicianship Award is presented to a member of the junior class in recognition of their boundless energy, musical versatility, humble spirit, strong leadership skills, and service to the Upper School Choir program.
The 2024 recipient is Grant LaMartina ‘25.
The Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award is given at the discretion of the choir director to honor a student or students whose musical contributions, dedication, and musical creativity set them apart as deserving of the highest recognition for their achievements.
The 2024 recipients are Rebecca Sennaraj ’24 and Kate Williamson ’24.
The National School Choral Award is the highest honor that a senior student in the vocal music program can receive. This nationally recognized award is presented annually to a graduating senior who has given four years of exemplary service to the MICDS choral program.
The certificate reads: “In recognition of superior merit, ability, and achievement of outstanding contributions to the school choral program, and of an unusual degree of loyalty, cooperation, and high quality of conduct by the general consent of the music faculty, school officials, and others.”
The 2024 recipients of the National Choral Award are Intisar Iqbal ’24 and Ben Iken ’24.
Dana Self, Upper School Choir Director, said, “I asked Ben and Intisar’s musical peers to share their thoughts of these two fine musicians.“
One of Intisar’s peers said, “I have enjoyed being in choir with him since our middle school days. He’s a very sincere and giving person.”
One of Ben’s peers said, “He has helped me become a more confident singer.” Another said, “He doesn’t draw the spotlight to himself. He understands that teamwork makes the dream work. I am confident that he will be on the Broadway stage any day now, and I will be proud to say that I performed with him in high school.“
Iqbal has been a member of the Upper School Tenor-Bass Choir (grades 9-11) and Chamber Choir (grade 12). He was selected to the St. Louis Metro District Choir, scoring in the top 20 of his voice part, making him eligible to audition for the Missouri All-State Choir. He was selected to perform with the 2024 Missouri All-State Choir and had an incredible time performing with this prestigious ensemble. During the Spring Pops Concert in April, he performed in a senior men’s quartet singing Sh-Boom by the R&B vocal group, The Chords.
Iken has been a member of the Upper School Tenor-Bass Choir (grades 9-11) and Chamber Choir (grade 12). He was selected to the St. Louis Metro District Choir, scoring in the top 20 of his voice part, making him eligible to audition for the Missouri All-State Choir. In 2023, he was named All-State Choir Honorable Mention and was selected as a member of the Missouri All-State Choir in 2024. Iken took on the challenge of choreographing the Spring Pops Concert, choreographing the Tenor-Bass Choir in 2023, and the Chamber Choir in 2024. This year, he completed the challenging AP® Music Theory course with tremendous success. In addition to performing at MICDS, he is a member of The Muny Teens and will be performing on stage at The Muny again this summer.
Congratulations to all the award recipients!