Mazal tov to the recipients of our inaugural Band Awards, presented at our 2017 Spring Concert in the awards’ inaugural year and tenth anniversary of our Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Program. Congratulations to Jeremy Nichols (Grade 8), Jayme Podgorowiez (Grade 10), Jonathan Abbo (Grade 10), Steven Budman (Class of ’17) and Matt Levine (Class of ’17). Thank you to HIP/PTA for generously funding these nationally recognized awards.
Director’s Award for Band: Jeremy Nichols (Percussion)
The Director’s Award for Band honors outstanding members in the Band, specifically the top Band student in our Samuel and Henrietta Scheck Middle School.
Quincy Jones Award: Jayme Podgorowiez (Clarinet)
Quincy Jones has done it all as a composer, arranger, performer, producer, and teacher. Every music program has students who share this boundless energy and musical versatility. With his approval, we initiate this award to encourage students in their pursuit of music.
Leonard Bernstein Award: Jonathan Abbo (Alto Saxophone)
Leonard Bernstein made an indelible mark on the musical world as a conductor, composer, and teacher. This award honors students whose musical contributions, dedication and creativity make them shine.
Patrick S. Gimore Award: Steven Budman (Bari Saxophone)
The Patrick S. Gilmore Band Award was introduced in 1994 in honor of the legendary bandmaster and impresario. Gilmore has performed for every president of his day, including Abraham Lincoln. This beautiful award honors outstanding high school Band students and their achievements and commitment to the Band.
John Philip Sousa Award: Matt Levine (Percussion)
Introduced in 1955 to honor the top student in the high school band, the John Philip Sousa Band Award® recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding dedication. It was created with the approval of Helen Sousa Albert and Priscilla Sousa, daughters of the famous composer and bandmaster.
Celebrating 10 Years of the Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Endowment
Jordan Alexander Ressler, z”l, chased his dreams and made them come true. Guided by his passion for life and love for the arts, he launched a successful career in film and theatre after graduating from Cornell University. Credits included original productions of “Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays” and “Jersey Boys,” both of which moved to Broadway. Sadly, Jordan passed away in a tragic accident in 2004 when he was only 23 years old. In 2007, his family created the Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Program at Scheck Hillel Community School to seed a legacy of children inspired to discover their own talents, ignite their own passions and chase their own dreams. This year, the school proudly celebrates the endowment’s 10-year anniversary.