BY Meghan Vogt
LifeAtStart.com Reporter
Monday’s Music Award Banquet was quite eventful. Start’s Jazz Combo welcomed guests with many tunes, including their debut performance of Hooked on a Feeling, arranged by senior Christopher Dauer.
Three other student ensembles entertained the crowd during the potluck-style dinner: The Percussion Ensemble, Fantastic Flute Troupe and the Powerful Pianianianianiaissimos (Start’s Trombone Quartet).
After dinner and the ensemble performances, the directors gave out participation awards to the band, choir and orchestra students. First year members received numbers of their graduation year, second year members received varsity letters and third year members received a special patch. Members of the Chamberwinds received pins, as well. Senior music students were given medals to be worn at graduation.
The most anticipated event of handing out the Outstanding Awards for select students was saved for last. Mr. Wilson, the choir director, gave out eight of these awards:
Outstanding Sophomore- Samaya Townsend
Outstanding Junior- Deonta’ Hill
Outstanding Senior- Katelyn Rzadecki
Outstanding Spartanaire- Christina Sweeney
Rising Star Award- Madisun White
Singing Spartan Choice- Mystikal King-Carter
Show Choir Choice- Madisun White
Director’s Choice- Bryant Harris
Mrs. Stierman handed out five awards to her orchestra students:
Outstanding Freshman- Nathan Shan
Outstanding Sophomore- Samantha Hamilton
Outstanding Junior- Matthew Gebhardt
Outstanding Senior (Student Vote)- Demi Jackson
Director’s Choice- Justin Doughty
Mr. Stierman’s awards to his band members included the following:
Outstanding Freshman- Hailey Wood
Outstanding Sophomore- Mitchell Boerst
Outstanding Junior- Hana Jalal
Director’s Choice- Tim Warring and Bryant Harris
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award- Christopher Dauer
John Phillips Sousa Award (Student Vote)- Ashley Dauer
The recipients of all of these awards received trophies ranging in size and detail, and the recipients of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and John Phillips Sousa Award will also have their names engraved on plaques that are on display in Start’s trophy case.