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HSMA is extremely proud of the accomplishments of our students on and off the performance stage. While we value all of our students and parents, there are occasions when some stand out and for whom recognition is appropriate. The following represent the various recognition and awards that HSMA offers to deserving individuals.

The Practice Awards are awarded to each student who meets the requirements of the Practice Awards Program.  These awards are typically gift certificates from Marshall Music in the amount of $10.00 ($5.00 contributed by HSMA and matched by Marshall Music) and are awarded twice per year.

The ‘Hermit’ Awards are awarded to the top two practice award recipients per performance group. To qualify, a student must have one of the top two total practice minutes for the year in their performance group among students who have earned the Practice Award in both semesters. The ‘Hermit’ Awards are presented at the annual HSMA Picnic at the end of the year.

The Most Improved Award is presented to the student who has shown significant improvement in his or her abilities as demonstrated during participation in their performance group. There is one award presented for each of the three most senior performance groups (Symphonic Band, Chancel Choir and Senior Orchestra). The recipient is selected by the conductor of the performance group, and the award is presented at the Annual Spring Concert. The criteria for this award are:

The Director’s Award is presented to the student who has consistently demonstrated outstanding qualities necessary to the growth of their performance group. There is one award presented for each of the three most senior performance groups (Symphonic Band, Chancel Choir and Senior Orchestra). The recipient is selected by the conductor of the performance group, and the award is presented at the Annual Spring Concert. The criteria for this award are:

The Century Club is an exclusive group of HSMA students who have achieved a perfect score of 100 on a Proficiency Test at State Solo & Ensemble. Achieving a score of 100 on a Proficiency Test is a very rare accomplishment.

Honors Recital
 

The HSMA Honors Recital is an invitation-only special performance that showcases the very best individual musicians and small ensembles. Honors Recital honorees receive a plaque, a rose, a reception in their honor, and a CD recording of the Honors Recital. The criteria for invitation to perform in the Honors Recital are:

Those invited will be selected from students meeting the above qualifications by the conductors of the Symphonic Band, the Chancel Choir, the Senior Orchestra, and the President of HSMA.

The Artist Circle is a very special honor accorded a maximum of one student per year, and may not be awarded in a given year. The purpose of the Artist Circle is to provide one very advanced musician the opportunity to perform in concert as a featured soloist with either the Senior Orchestra or Symphonic Band at the Annual Spring Concert. Artist Circle honorees receive a plaque, a bouquet of roses, and the Frances E. Simpson Scholarship. Seniors may be nominated by their conductors at the conductor's complete discretion if the student meets the following minimum requirements: