Ten Upper School Choir students were recognized for their outstanding work during the 2019-2020 school year:
The Grade 9 Vocal Music Achievement Award is presented to two students each spring who have been enthusiastic in their approach to the class, have served as positive role models for the music program and have taken advantage of the many extra musical opportunities offered.
The 2020 recipients are Alizeh Jawaid ’23 & Noah Macam ’23.
The Fred Waring Director’s Award for Chorus is presented to two tenth grade students each spring. Fred Waring was one of the leading choral directors of the 20th century. This award is presented to students who show great promise in the choral program, both through musicianship and leadership, through cooperation and enthusiasm, as well as in their own musical growth over the course of their sophomore year. This award also recognizes emerging young musical leaders who demonstrate a positive attitude and bring a spirit of cohesion to their respective choirs.
The 2020 recipients are Lauren Douglas ’22 & Ittmum Zahir ’22.
The Quincy Jones Eleventh Grade Musicianship Award is presented to two members of the junior class each spring. In his long musical career, Quincy Jones did it all, as a composer, arranger, performer, producer and teacher. The Quincy Jones Award is presented to a student who shares his boundless energy and musical versatility.
The 2020 recipients are Jaylah McMurtry ’21& Najaah Muhammad ’21.
The Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award honors one student in grades 9-11 and one graduating senior for their extraordinary musicianship, spirit, a sincere desire to learn more and make musical connections and as a positive role model for the high school choral music program.
The 2020 recipients are Isaac Layugan ’22 and Elena Thomas ’20.
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 2020 recipients are Nicholas Clifford ’20 & Akshay Patwardhan ’20.
Nicholas Clifford was selected by audition to perform with the St. Louis Metro District Choir, he scored in the top 20 of his respective voice part making him eligible to audition for the 2019 and 2020 Missouri All-State Choir; was a member of the St. Louis Children’s Choir; served on the MICDS Arts Council as the choral department representative; enrolled in the demanding AP Music Theory course; and was selected by audition to the 2019 and 2020 Missouri All-State Choir.
Akshay Patwardhan was selected by audition to perform with the St. Louis Metro District Choir; he scored in the top 20 of his respective voice part making him eligible to audition for the 2019 and 2020 Missouri All-State; was selected by audition to perform with the 2018 American Choral Directors Association Southwest Division Honor Choir; performed at the MSHSAA District Music Festival each year earning top ratings; performed at the MSHSAA State Music Festival earning top ratings; and was selected by audition to the 2020 Missouri All-State Choir.
Congratulations to all of the award recipients!