McKinney High School Band Awards
The John Philip Sousa Award
John Philip Sousa (November 6, 1854 – March 6, 1932) was an American composer and conductor known primarily for American military marches. He is known as "The March King" and served as the 17th Director of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.
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.
McKinney High School Recipients
2022 – 2023 – Kyle Johnson
2021 – 2022 – Annika Fought
2020 – 2021 – Kacie Herrington
2019 – 2020 – Sam McWhirter
2018 – 2019 – Eric Boatman
2017 – 2018 – Ashley Wu
2015 – 2016 – Brittany Garza
2014 – 2015 – Kevin Sells
2013 – 2014 – Ben Johnson
2012 – 2013 – Kayla Crowley
2011 – 2012 – Carly Prince
2010 – 2011 – Kailey Kelly, Carly Prince
2009 – 2010 – Kate Lutek
2008 – 2009 – Tori Brenna
The Louis Armstrong Award
Louis Daniel Armstrong (August 4, 1901 – July 6, 1971) was an American trumpeter and vocalist. He was among the most influential figures in jazz. His career spanned five decades and several eras in the history of jazz.
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.
To preserve the integrity of the Armstrong Award, schools are limited to one set of student awards per year or two in the event of a tie.
MCKINNEY HIGH SCHOOL RECIPIENTS
2022 – 2023 – Louis DeBock
2021 – 2022 – Aubrey Johnson
2020 – 2021 – Ben Scheurer
2019 – 2020 – Aidan Hatcher
2018 – 2019 – Teo Jakobsen
2017 – 2018 – Max Mattson
2015 – 2016 – Nathan Salazar
2014 – 2015 – Kai Foster
2013 – 2014 – Austin Nestler
2012 – 2013 – Austin Nestler
2010 – 2011 – Juan Moreno
2009 – 2010 – Jacob Essy
2008 – 2009 – Colin Wheeler
The Patrick S. Gilmore Band Award
Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore (December 25, 1829 – September 24, 1892) was an Irish-born American composer and bandmaster who lived and worked in the United States after 1848.
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®.
MCKINNEY HIGH SCHOOL RECIPIENTS
2022 - 2023 - David Alvarado
The Woody Herman Jazz Award
Woodrow Charles Herman (May 16, 1913 – October 29, 1987) was an American jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, singer, and big band leader. Herman came to prominence in the late 1930s and was active until his death in 1987.
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®.
MCKINNEY HIGH SCHOOL RECIPIENTS
2022 - 2023 - Christopher Larios