Awards and Honors
To recognize outstanding students within the band program in the Pioneer Bands, several different awards and honors have been established. Some of these are recognized only within our school district while others are national awards that carry a great deal of prestige. Regardless of the level of distinction of the award or honor, it is the hope of the directors that all students will strive for excellence. Information regarding these awards is available from the band directors, or via the links below.
Annual Awards and Scholarships
Awards are presented annually at the spring Band Banquet. They include:
John Philip Sousa Award: The John Philip Sousa Award to honors our most deserving band member. The Sousa Award recognizes superior musicianship, leadership, dependability, loyalty and cooperation. In short, the qualities directors strive to develop in all students.
Patrick S. Gilmore Award: The Patrick S. Gilmore Award, named for the American bandleader of the Civil War, it is presented annually to the runner-up to the Sousa Award.
Director's Award: This award is chosen by the Director of the Varsity Band. It is awarded to a student who has gone beyond the normal classroom expectations, to someone who leads by example and enriches the foundation of our band program.
Louis Armstrong Award: Louis Armstrong introduced listeners around the world to jazz. Highlighting the excitement and appreciation students are developing for jazz, this award is presented to our most outstanding jazz performer each year.
Woody Herman Award: Because the Louis Armstrong Award is limited to the top jazz performer, and because it takes more than one performer to make a successful jazz ensemble, the Woody Herman Award is a way for directors to honor other jazz students for their contributions to the jazz program.
Robert Albritton Music Award: In honor of Robert Albritton's twenty years of service to the Pioneer High School Bands, this award is given on a rotating basis annually to a senior music student, in a vote by peers in the Pioneer bands, orchestras, or choirs.
Robert Albritton Scholarship Award: In order to honor Robert Albritton's distinguished 20-year tenure as the Director of Bands at Pioneer High School, the Pioneer Band Association established a scholarship endowment to provide musical enrichment, primarily to offer a music camp experience for a student or students who will be returning to the band program the following year. Earnings from the endowment are used to fund the award.
Band Camp Awards
The following awards are given annually at Band Camp
Best New Marcher (Male & Female): This award goes to a new band member whom the Director feels has exemplified the best marching technique during band camp.
Best Old Marcher (Male & Female): This award goes to a returning member whom the Director feels has exemplified the best marching technique during band camp.
Best New Musician (Male & Female): This award goes to a new band member whom the Director feels has made the most improvement musically over the course of the year.
Best Old Musician (Male & Female): This award goes to a returning band member whom the Director feels has made the most improvement musically over the course of the year.