In the Spring of each year, the Band Directors present awards to outstanding NCHS students and
parent volunteers, as follows:
Most Improved. Awarded by the band directors to the most improved students in
Jazz Lab, Jazz Band, Jazz Studio Orchestra, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, and Wind
Ensemble.
Outstanding Percussionist Awards. The outstanding percussionist awards recognize
achievement on the part of two students who have helped the band program by setting a strong
example of consistent responsibility, leadership, and work ethic in the area of percussion at NCHS. These students have set very high standards for themselves that have been
brought to fruition through their involvement in band.One is presented to an upperclassman and
another to a underclassman.
Most Improved Percussionist Award. The most improved percussionist award is
presented to a student who has demonstrated a significant musical improvement over the course of
the school year in the field of percussion.
Woody Herman Award. The Woody Herman Jazz Award was created in 1988, shortly
after Herman's death, to honor outstanding jazz students. From 1936 to 1987, Woody Herman's big
bands were popular and explosive. He changed bands and styles over the years. The First Herd
was known for fiery playing, the Second Herd for bebop, and the Third Herd for its driving,
swinging jazz. About his music Herman said, "I'm not interested in nostalgia, I'm selling
excitement." This award honors a student who exhibits this excitement for jazz performance,
exceptional work ethic, and a genuine interest in growth as a jazz musician.
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. Louis Armstrong was essentially the beginning/pioneer
of jazz improvisation. This award is given to a senior who exhibits exceptional performance in the
area of jazz improvisation at Naperville Central and is the highest honor a student can receive
in the area of jazz.
Senior Awards. Each NCHS senior band student will receive a four-year certificate.
In addition, the following awards are given to senior band members:
Illinois Music Educator Award. This award recognizes an outstanding band senior
that has made a significant contribution to their music program, the State of Illinois, and the
Illinois Music Educators Association.
Outstanding Senior Musician Award: This band award honors exceptional
musicianship in the band program at Naperville Central High School.
Marching Redhawk of the Year. This award recognizes an outstanding marching band student who exhibits spirit, determination, and
a tireless work ethic.
Greg Vasich Memorial Scholarship. The Greg Vasich Memorial Scholarship was
established at Naperville Central High School as a lasting way of preserving the memory of Greg
Vasich, a former NCHS band student who was tragically killed in an automobile accident in April of
2004. A memorial endowment fund has been established through the Naperville Education Foundation
to perpetually honor Greg's memory. Each year a Naperville Central High School senior will receive
$1,000 to use toward college. For more information about the Greg Vasich Memorial Scholarship,
please visit www.gregvasich.com.
The Director's Award for Band. The Director's Award for Band
honors an outstanding member of the high school band program.
The NCHS Band Leader Award. This award goes to a strong leader
both in academics and music.
Patrick S. Gilmore Band Award. The Patrick S. Gilmore Award was established in
1994 in honor of the legendary 19 th Century bandmaster. Patrick Gilmore (1829-1892) and his band
joined General Burnside's expedition to North Carolina in the Civil War where they played for the
troops and cared for wounded soldiers. Gilmore also played for every president of his day, from
Buchanan to Cleveland, including Abraham Lincoln. This award honors exemplary qualities in both
musicianship and dedication. It goes to a young man who exceeds all expectations in both
categories of dedication and musicianship.
Semper Fidelis (sponsored by the U.S. Marines). The Semper Fidelis Award
is given each year to a top senior in the band. The award winner is
nominated by the band directors based on the recipient's musicianship, character, leadership, and
service within the school and band.
John Phillip Sousa Award. The John Phillip Sousa Award is the most prestigious
award a band member can receive at Naperville Central High School. It is given to a student who
exemplifies exceptional talent and passion for music, a willingness to grow and forever continue
learning, an uncompromised personal integrity in all situations, and creating excellence in music
within the entire band program as a whole.
Outstanding Parent Volunteer. Awarded each year to a parent who has gone "above
and beyond" the call of duty to support the NCHS Band Programs.
