At the conclusion of the Spring Pops Concert on Thursday, April 26, the following awards were presented to various students who have shown promise as participants in the MICDS Upper School Choir program:
Three students were presented with plaques for their participation in the American Choral Directors Association Southwest Division Honor Choir in Oklahoma City in March of this year. The three students recognized were: Izzy Essman ’18, Akshay Patwardhan ’20 & Arjun Ramakrishnan ’20.
The Grade Nine Vocal Music Achievement Award is presented to two students in 9th Grade 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 2018 recipients are Lucas McCarty ’21 and Jaylah McMurtry ’21.
The Fred Waring Director’s Award for Chorus is presented to two tenth grade students each year. 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 tenth grade 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 2018 recipients are Arjun Ramakrishnan ’20 and Grace Vogel ’20.
The Quincy Jones Eleventh Grade Musicianship Award is presented to two members of the junior class each year. 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 2018 recipients are Hope Abel ’19 and Jack Cai ’19.
The National School Choral Award is the highest musical award and honor that a senior student in the vocal music program can receive. The award is presented annually to a senior or seniors who have 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 success of 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 2018 recipient is Izzy Essman ’18. Izzy has performed with the St. Louis Metro District Honor Choir her sophomore, junior, and senior year; has earned Superior ratings at the MSHSAA District and State Music Festivals; performed with the 2017 and 2018 Missouri All-State Choir; and performed with the 2018 American Choral Directors Association Southwest Division Honor Choir.
Congrats to all the awardees!