Music department renames class day awards after distinguished alumni

Matthew Brand and Zach Hornfeld Staff Writers

Previously named after classical composers Ludwig van Beethoven, George Frideric Handel, and Hanns Jelinek, the music department has changed the names of three class day prizes to George Avakian ‘37 Medal for Leadership in Music, the Lucy Monroe ‘24 Medal for Music Artistry, and the Elliot Carter ‘26 Medal for Musical Excellence. These awards, given to seniors who display musical excellence, leadership, and artistry, now better reflect the school’s musical community, Music

Department Chair Timothy Ho said. Music teacher Michael Bomwell came up with the idea to name the musical leadership award after Avakian. Avakian was a jazz record producer and manager, achieving fame in the 1940s. He produced and worked with icons of Jazz music like Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, and Edith Piaf, bringing their music to the radio. “His job in the industry was to take charge in bringing music to life,” Bomwell said.

The department awards the Avakian medal to a student who looks out for the best interests of their peers and ensembles, Ho said. “Whether they’re helping to make sure that the

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Avani Khorana food is organized or that spaces are cleaned up, students who receive the leadership award display an initiative to make the Music Department a better place.”

The Monroe Medal for Music Artistry is presented to a student who not only shows musical talent and passion, but also makes a communal impact through their music, Ho said. The namesake of this award, Lucy Monroe, was a celebrated opera singer known as the “Star-Spangled Soprano.” She was famous for her operatic rendition of the National Anthem that she routinely performed at Yankees games. Monroe emulated the values of musical artistry as she

Staff would do anything to further the development of her musical talent and share it with her community.

The Music Department had Elliot Carter in mind during the renaming, so it felt obvious to name the Medal for Musical Excellence after him, Ho said. Carter won four Pulitzer prizes, among other honors, for his critically acclaimed classical compositions. “Students who receive the award take complete advantage of the music department, taking any class they can to improve their skills,” Ho said.

This award goes to students who take a variety of music classes from musical history to studio technolo- gy, displaying their dedication to become a confident, poised musician. Carter and his award’s recipients exhibit musical virtuosity, leadership, and dedication — a perfect storm between the other two awards. Because of its significance, it is the only award not given out annually, Ho said.

The most important junction between the awards is that all recipients must exhibit empathy and exemplify the values of the Music Department, Ho said. “The music department isn’t only a place where we come to play music — we are here every day to build and celebrate community.”

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