Six vocal music students were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the MICDS Music Program at the conclusion of the Spring Pops Concert on Thursday, April 24, 2019.
The Grade 9 Vocal Music Achievement Award is presented to two ninth grade students who have been enthusiastic in their approach to the class, are positive role models, and have taken advantage of the many extra musical opportunities offered throughout the school year. The 2018-19 recipients are Samantha Iken ’22 and Itmum Zahir ’22.
The Fred Waring Director’s Award for Chorus is presented to two tenth grade students who demonstrate 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 tenth grade year. It also recognizes emerging young musical leaders who demonstrate a positive attitude and bring a spirit of cohesion to their choir. The 2018-19 recipients are Jaylah McMurtry ’21 and Liam Weber ’21.
The Quincy Jones Musicianship Award is presented to two eleventh grade students to recognize their creativity and musicianship and to encourage students in their pursuit of music. The 2018-19 recipients are Nicholas Clifford ’20 and Arjun Ramakrishnan ’20. Nicholas was also presented with a plaque for being selected to the 2019 Missouri All-State Choir. Arjun was also presented with a plaque for being selected to the 2019 American Choral Directors Association National Honor Choir.
First row (L-R): Jaylah McMurtry ’21, Samantha Iken ’22, Ittmum Zahir ’22, Liam Weber ’21
Second row (L-R): Nicholas Clifford ’20, Arjun Ramakrishnan ’20
MICDS Musicians Shine at State Music Festival
Ten MICDS vocal and instrumental students participated in the MSHSAA State Music Festival held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the University of Missouri-Columbia. To participate at the state level, these students earned a “1” (Exemplary) rating at the MSHSAA District Solo/Ensemble Festival held in March. Students performed one or two pieces before an adjudicator who provided written comments and critique on areas such as intonation, tone quality, articulation, dynamics, and interpretation/style. Each performer was assigned an overall rating of Gold (Exemplary), Silver (Excellent) or Bronze (Good).
Gold Ratings
Kelci Creath ’19, Flute Solo
Arjun Ramakrishnan ’20, Vocal Solo
Silver Ratings
Emma Nohara-LeClair ’19, Vocal Solo
Akshay Patwardhan ’20, Vocal Solo
Liam Weber ’21, Vocal Solo
Lucy Zhao ’20, Flute Solo
Bronze Ratings
Alex Migala ’20, Trumpet Solo
Saxophone Trio: Kyle Fehr ’20, Shibashis Mandal ’20, Christopher Shannon ‘19
The MICDS vocal music students are under the direction of Mr. Dana Self. Instrumental music students are under the direction of Mrs. Becky Long and Mr. Josh Baumgartner. Accompanist for the MICDS students was Mr. Nick Bideler.