7^th Annual Pops on the Quad

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Cary Academy Quad

Concert Program

To listen to recordings, right click the link and "save target as" or "save link as" to download.  Students may have to do this while at school.

Acknowledgements

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 letter