The John Philip Sousa Band Award
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. It is the highest honor a student in the Hernando Band can achieve. Recipients are chosen each year by the directors based on their work ethic, musical ability, dedication, and many other factors. A list of all known recipients can be found below.
2013 - Michael Hay
2014 - Kazandra Wright
2015 - Lauren Stephens
2016 - Gabby Pestana
2017 - Abby Peters and Ryann Smith
2018 - Andres Liberato and Oscar Montoya
2019 - Geir Sajdak
2020 - Keegan Mapes
2021 - Brian Crum
2022 - Jamarian Higgenbottom and Justin Silva
2023 - Shelby Brooks
The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award
Additional Information
Inaugurated in 1974 with the consent of his widow shortly after this great jazz artist died in 1971, The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award® honors the outstanding jazz musician at each high school. Each year since 2018, a member of the Hernando Jazz Band has been chosen by Mr. Jones to receive this award. It is the highest honor that a Jazz Band member can achieve. The choice is based on many factors, some of which include attitude, musical ability, and leadership of the band. A complete list of recipients can be found below
2018 - Camden Smallwood
2019 - Zach Simpson
2020 - Stanton Smallwood
2021 - Matthew Lopez
2022 - Sophia Salguero
