NHS music students recognized at Awards Night

Niwot High School hosted its annual Music Awards Night on Thursday, May 1, recognizing student musicians across band, choir, orchestra, jazz, and mariachi for their achievements throughout the year.

The evening began with the presentation of academic letters, awarded by grade level to students who demonstrated consistent excellence and commitment in their music groups. After letters were distributed, directors introduced a series of individual awards, highlighting students’ leadership, musicianship, and growth.

“Music Awards Night is one of the most exciting events our music program puts on each year,” said Choral Director Laura Walters. “The students in band, orchestra, choir and mariachi put so much into their programs each year, and I absolutely love getting to celebrate all the accomplishments and recognize all the amazing things the students have done. Performing arts is something that students choose to do, and recognizing those that go above and beyond is just really special.”

Senior Gabe Bandera received the Louis Armstrong Award, the highest honor given to a jazz student. Band Director Wade Hendricks described him as a student who “has always been a great team player” and “has had a positive influence on his peers and the band.”

The John Philip Sousa Award, awarded annually to a top concert band student, went to senior clarinetist Oliver Sitja Sichel. Sitja Sichel was also a member of the 2024 Colorado All-State Band.

Sophomore trombone player Owen Simon received multiple awards for his work in both Advanced Jazz Band and Advanced Symphonic Band. He was recognized with the 200 Points Club Award, Section Leader Award, Best Section Award, Cougar Music Award, and letters in both jazz and symphonic bands. He also participated in CU Honor Band, District Honor Band, Combined League Honor Band, Combined League Honor Jazz Band, and Combined League Honor Orchestra.

“It was really exciting—I put a lot of work into this so it was nice to see my effort be rewarded,” Simon said. He has been playing the trombone for seven years, drawn to the instrument because “it’s the only one that can truly glissando.” He described jazz and symphonic bands as offering very different stylistic challenges, saying the contrast gives him “a wide variety of music to perform and learn.”

As for the music program itself, Simon said it “provides a community of energetic and kind people who are as enthusiastic as me about learning and producing music.”

Alongside Simon, junior Kingston Staton was named Jazz Band MVP for his dedication to his instrument, the piano, along with his ability to bring energy and synchronicity to the group through the rhythm section.

In orchestra, senior Bella Gabbard was honored with the National Orchestra Award, also referred to as the Alpha Cougar Award. This is given to one senior each year in recognition of outstanding leadership, musicianship, and dedication to the orchestra program.

The choir program also recognized several students for their leadership and improvement. Seniors Greta Stauch and Kennah Brackett received the National School Choral Award, the highest distinction for high school choral students.

“Greta and Kennah came in freshman year as amazing musicians and leaders,” Walters said. “They continued to work hard and practice and improve their skills and leadership skills each year. They have gone above and beyond auditioning for everything, making it into countless honor choirs, leading their own choirs, and have both turned into students that others look up to and respect so much.”

Spirit and Morale Awards went to Julia Richardson, Bella Chilson, Ezra Schlosser, Parker Tatic, and Cas Clark for their contributions to a positive choir environment. The Most Improved Awards were given to Jocelyn Lara and Colin Foutz.

Walters reflected on how music education impacts students beyond their musical development. “Performing in an ensemble teaches students to work together toward one bigger cause,” she said. “The most impressive ensembles anywhere are full of performers who aren’t afraid to express themselves and are willing to put themselves out there no matter the risks. As my students in choir learn to do this, they become better humans.”

Looking ahead, both Walters and Hendricks emphasized continuing momentum and student leadership. “Our students are excited to sing. They are passionate about rehearsing and eager to perform,” Walters said. “I hope we can continue to grow more and more leaders in our choirs that are compassionate to one another and help build each other up, while striving for musical excellence.”

“I want to continue giving students more autonomy over what I consider their music program,” Hendricks added. “I think it will make them more invested in each other and what they are creating.”