Niwot High School's 2024 Music Awards Night

Niwot High School is no stranger to excellence. Niwot is "Home of the Champions" in many areas including sports, academia, and of course, music.

Students from all grade levels who are involved in band, choir, mariachi, and/or orchestra were recognized for their achievements in the world of performing arts on Wednesday, May 1.

The evening began by recognizing students, by grade, who had received varsity letters (just like in sports) and other achievements. Students who have earned enough points, through sectionals, special performances, and extra activities, become eligible for varsity letters. Students who accomplish this multiple years in a row receive additional recognition.

There were also special acknowledgements for participation in travel opportunities, earning more points well above the required minimum for a varsity letter, leadership, honors ensembles, extra curricular activities such as clubs, and anything else above the minimum required activities.

Many seniors were recognized for achieving many points above the minimum, for their leadership qualities and for having received a varsity letter during each of their four years at Niwot High.

Each director also honored students with additional awards such as "outstanding student" from each ensemble in every department as voted upon by their peers, director's awards giving special recognition from the directors for each department of students who do incredible work and influence, and outstanding sections.

Each department, including band, choir, and orchestra, also recognized students who received national recognition.

Laura Walters, Choir Director, recognized River Osgood and Fred Zorgdrager as the 2023-2024 National School Choral Award recipients from NHS. "[This award] is the highest honor for high school choral performers," said Walters. "This is an award given nationally and recognizes the dedication and musical achievement of the top two choral students in a department every year." Walters said the award is based on merit, ability, achievement, contributions, and loyalty in their cooperation in a school's choral program.

Xander Schreurs received the prestigious John Philip Sousa Award from band director Wade Hendricks.The John Philip Sousa Award is given to one student in recognition of their outstanding musicianship and dedication. Wade described Schreurs as being "responsible, dependable, creative, thoughtful, a role model, funny, kind, supportive, and a great team member..." Schreurs has had an expansive career performing in not only Band, but also Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Pep Band in addition to honor bands each year.

Alex Fick received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, another national-level recognition for senior students in high school. Hendricks introduced this award by stating that "Armstrong's influence extends well beyond jazz music... Lucille (his wife) in later years described his love for people..." resulting in Armstrong's humanity and generosity. Fick was recognized for being exceptionally hard-working, and highly competent in playing, improvising, and arranging music. "Fick is quick to understand his role," said Hendricks when describing Fick's willingness to step into the spotlight as well as work hard behind the scenes.

Orchestra Director Keynes Chen awarded senior Drew Moore with the National School Orchestra Award. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a high school orchestra member to recognize their excellence in playing, leadership, and contributions to the orchestra program. "Not only is Drew an evidently naturally talented musician...," said Chen, "he is also one of the most passionate and hardest working students I have ever known."

Chen adds that Moore's "exemplary character and integrity" along with his positive attitude and selflessness towards the program is what earned Moore this achievement (in addition to several other awards throughout the night). "Drew is everywhere... whenever and wherever help was needed."