Awards / Honor Groups

BANQUET

Awards are presented at the festive music banquet in June.  There is a cost for catered food if members and families wish to eat, or students may arrive after dinner and attend the awards ceremony for free.  Seniors attend the banquet for no cost if they have paid their fair share ensemble fees in full.

AWARDS

The following awards are presented based on the qualifications of each student.  Students that meet the most foundation qualities are chosen to receive awards in addition to the participation certificate.

• John Phillip Sousa Award - Recognized by college entrance counselors as the award given for outstanding musicianship and leadership.  Students are chosen based on their musicianship level/technique, positive example and contribution to the ensemble team effort, participation in honor groups, doubling, soloing, and leadership.

• National Orchestra Award - Recognized by college entrance counselors as the award given for outstanding musicianship and leadership.  Students are chosen based on their musicianship level/technique, positive example and contribution to the ensemble team effort, participation in honor groups, doubling, soloing, and leadership.

• Director's Award - Recognized as the highest award given by an Instrumental Music Program for the most well rounded students.  Musicianship, leadership, teamwork, service to the program, academic/musical effort, and overall pride and commitment to the program is considered.

• US Marine Corps Semper Fidelis - Awarded to the member of the program that has demonstrated leadership and service to the program throughout their membership.  Awarded at the SCHS Senior Award Night, and repeated at the banquet.

• Senior Awards - Presented at the SCHS Awards Night, and repeated at the banquet.  Students are nominated according to the SCHS counseling definitions.  The top award winner is the highest scoring student from the defined categories.

•  Senior Award - Awarded to seniors that participated successfully in the music program for three years, played in an ensemble for both semesters of their senior year, and attended all performances.

• Outstanding Junior - Awarded to the student that has demonstrated a high level of musicianship, loyal and ethnical behavior, teamwork, and meets the criteria below.

• Outstanding Sophomore - Awarded to the student that has demonstrated a high level of musicianship, loyal and ethnical behavior, teamwork, and meets the criteria below.

• Outstanding Freshman - Awarded to the student that has demonstrated a high level of musicianship, loyal and ethnical behavior, teamwork, and meets the criteria below.

• Participation Pins* - Each ensemble has a special letterman jacket pin.

• Participation Certificates - All grade levels

*NOTE: All students receive their participation certificate.  Those students that have also completed paying their ensemble fair share fees will also receive their jacket pins and letters where applicable.

LETTERS

Marching and members are eligible to receive letters for their successful participation in the marching program.

• Junior Varsity = Two semesters

• Varsity = Four semesters

• Semester participation includes games, parades, competitions, etc.  In the spring semester, students may only be scheduled for one or two marching events.  While the Marching Band PE class is only offered in the fall semester, students are expected to march in second semester events (if any) and participate in their concert class to qualify for their letter. 

• All performances are required to qualify for a letter.  An unexcused absence from performance disqualifies a student for that semester.

• Students that have not paid their fair share ensemble fee may receive a letter if purchased from TMAC.  ($30 including shipping and tax)

FOUNDATION STUDENTS

"Foundation Students" are members that provide the foundation of the Instrumental Music and Pageantry Program.  These students demonstrate high musical, ensemble team ideals, integrity, and ethical behavior while a member of the program.

Program Standards

• Receives an A grade at each quarter and semester grading period

• Participation in multiple ensembles (orchestra, jazz, marching band, concert band, etc.)

• Attends all performances

• Rarely misses after school rehearsals

• On time to performances and rehearsals

• Attends summer band camp if in marching band (if in marching band)

• Takes private lessons

• Participates in group fund raising activities

• Auditions for honor bands / orchestras

• Demonstrates leadership by example

Personal Standards

• Treats staff and peers with respect

• Treats school equipment appropriately

• Sets a high musical standard, demonstrating great skill and/or improvement

• Demonstrates personal excellence in all activities

• Demonstrates integrity with regard to peers, faculty, and volunteers

• Helpful to all students

• Participates willingly in service to the program

CUSD HONOR BAND/ORCHESTRA NOMINATIONS

Selection of CUSD Honor Orchestra and Honor Band nominees takes place according to the following criterion.  The director nominates students who meet the highest qualifications for each category..  Seniority does not factor into the selection process unless there is a tie.

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