John Philip Sousa Band Award
The Sousa Award is the pinnacle of achievement in a high school band. 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.
The Patrick S. Gilmore Band Award® was introduced in 1994 in honor of the legendary bandmaster and impresario. Patrick Gilmore (1829-1892) and his band joined General Burnside’s expedition to North Carolina in the Civil War. Gilmore also played 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. It may be used as a runner-up award to the John Philip Sousa Award®.
James R. Griffith Director’s Award
The Director’s Award for Band® honors outstanding members of your junior or senior high school band. We have named it the James R. Griffith Director’s Award here at P-CEP out of respect and to maintain his legacy with the P-CEP Bands.
Apple Man Award -
The L. John Miller "Apple Man" award, unique to the P-CEP Band Program, is presented each spring to the student who show outstanding service, dedication and leadership to the P-CEP Band program.
The Linda Calzone Award
This award is presented to the student who most personifies the qualities demonstrated by Linda Calzone. Mrs. Calzone gave 35 years of dedicated service as a band director for P-CCS. She always put the needs of the community and others before herself. The student who is honored with this award should actively seek involvement in a wide range of musical opportunities. He or she must be dedicated to bringing joy to themselves and others through their involvement in music. Above all, the recipient of this award should be willing to help others.
The Karen Tharp Award
This award is presented to the student who most personifies the qualities demonstrated by Karen Tharp. Mrs. Tharp gave 32 years of dedicated service as a band director for P-CCS. Karen is strong, determined, and consistent in her approach for musical excellence. The student who is honored with this award demonstrates the leadership qualities that Mrs. Tharp demonstrated every day for her students.
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award
The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award® was inaugurated in 1974 with the consent of his widow shortly after this great jazz artist died in 1971. It honors the outstanding jazz musician at each high school.
Woody Herman Jazz Award
The Woody Herman Jazz Award® was created in 1988, shortly after Herman’s death, to honor outstanding jazz students. Middle schools use the award to honor their top jazz players, while high schools offer it as a runner-up for the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award®.