Concert Program - Cary Academy

Award Descriptions
Director's Award for Leadership
Students exhibit leadership in many ways. Some motivate those around them to work together to
stretch personal limits. Others lead by example, teaching those around them by being prepared and
playing their music as it is meant to be played. Still, others lead by demonstrating consistent effort
and excellence in their overall approach to playing music on their instruments. Students receiving
recognition for outstanding leadership have served as role models throughout the year by
demonstrating exceptional musicianship and effort.
Director’s Award for Improvement
Playing a musical instrument seems to come easier to some people than others. However,
determination and hard work often make the difference in a student’s musical growth. In addition,
seeking help from a teacher or friends and incorporating their advice into practice habits yields
further growth. Musical ability is less inherited than it is earned. Students receiving recognition for
outstanding improvement have shown an intense desire to better their playing, exemplary effort,
and have demonstrated a dramatic increase in their musical skills.
Director’s Award for Spirit
Students also display spirit in many ways: Energy… Interest… Positive Attitude... Some see what
needs to be done, often without being asked, and do it. Others are curious and always interested in
doing or learning something new or different about music. Still others have a demeanor and
enthusiasm about playing music and about life that is simply contagious. Students receiving
recognition for outstanding spirit have inspired and challenged us all to strive for excellence
throughout the year through their enthusiasm, service, and attitude.
John Philip Sousa Band Award
This national award is given to an Upper School student in recognition of outstanding achievement
and interest in band, for singular merit in loyalty and cooperation, and for displaying the high
qualities of conduct that school music requires.
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award
This national award is given to an Upper School student in recognition of outstanding achievement
and interest in jazz music. Exceptional ability in solo and ensemble playing are consistently
demonstrated by the recipient of this award.
Band Letter (first awarded in the 2004-2005 school year)
Upper school band students earn a band letter by being enrolled in a band class beyond the one unit
of credit required for graduation. Therefore, students enrolled in one band class per year earn band
letters during their third year. Students enrolled in both band and jazz band classes in their first
year earn band letters for enrolling in at least one band class during their 2 nd year.
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