Students Earn US Vocal Music Awards

Twenty Upper School Choir students were recognized for their outstanding work during the 2021-2022 school year:

The Grace 9 Vocal Music Achievement Award is presented to two students who have demonstrated personal initiative and dedication, an excellent work ethic, along with a willingness to give of themselves in order to better the vocal music program. While demonstrating these criteria, these students have been positive role models and remain resolute in their musical goals.

The 2022 recipients are Max Thomas ’25 and Ethan Waymire ’25.

The Fred Waring Director’s Award for Chorus is presented to two sophomores who show great promise in the choral program through musicianship and leadership, through cooperation and enthusiasm, as well as in their own music growth over the course of the year. This award recognizes emerging young musical leaders who demonstrate a positive attitude and bring a spirit of cohesion to their respective choirs.

The 2022 recipients are Agatha Curylo ’24 and Wyatt Dickherber ’24.

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, as well as his humble spirit.

“Be humble with your creativity and gracious with your success.”

– Quincy Jones

The 2022 Recipients are Phoebe Burgis ’23 and Nicole Dai ’23.

The Class of 1997 Leadership Award in Vocal Music is given at the discretion of the Upper School Choir Director and recognizes a sophomore and/or junior student for their modeling the school’s mission and personal achievement and leadership in promoting advanced study in vocal music.

The 2022 recipients are Livi Thomas ’23 and Kate Williamson ’24.

The Instrumentalist Magazine Musicianship Certificate is presented at the discretion of the director to students in grades 9-11 for their outstanding musicianship throughout the course of the school year.

The 2022 recipients are:

  • Cora Bryan ’24
  • Emery Chamberlain ’25
  • Thisbe Diamond ’24
  • Charlie Glass ’25
  • Intisar Iqbal ’24
  • Grant LaMartina ’25
  • Amisha Poojari ’25
  • Davis Schukar ’24
  • Grace Villagomez ’25

The Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award is given at the discretion of the director to a student or students for their extraordinary musical contributions, musical growth, dedication, and leadership.  The recipients also demonstrate a cohesive spirit and a sincere desire to make musical connections.

The 2022 recipients are Alizeh Jawaid ’23 and Noah Macam ’23.

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 2021 recipient of the National Choral Award is Sebastian Ashman ’22.

Dana Self, Upper School Choir Director, said, “I asked Sebastian’s music teachers from the Beasley School to the Upper School to create a list of words that immediately come to mind when thinking of this student. The list included: humble, creative, confident, genuine, thoughtful, insightful, intentional, dedicated, gracious, wise, scholarly, reflective, supportive, devoted, courageous, sensitive, forgiving, kind, loyal, involved, patient, caring, deeply committed, a good human.”

One of Ashman’s peers said, “He is one of the nicest people you will ever meet, with a wicked sense of humor that will catch you by surprise at times. For four years, I have seen him work harder than anyone else in the choir. When singing, whether in rehearsal or performance, he is not simply going through the actions. He’s the real deal.”

Another said, “To say that he is a musical beast is an understatement. He is the poster child for singers everywhere! When singing, he gets into his zone and all the troubles of the world seem to disappear. I consider myself lucky to have been able to sing in choir with him.”

Ashman has been a member of the Upper School Men’s Choir, Concert Choir, and Chamber Choir. He was selected by audition to perform with the St. Louis Metro District Choir and was selected to perform with the 2022 Missouri All-State Choir. He has earned exemplary ratings at the MSHSAA District Solo/Ensemble Festival, and most recently was a featured soloist at the annual Spring Pops Concert and at Senior Night. Ashman studies private voice with Dr. Jeffrey Carter at Webster University.

Congratulations to all the award recipients!