Awards - End of Year

ALL-DISTRICT HONOR BAND MEDALS

This award goes to students who demonstrate the following criteria:

1.) Audition and are selected to perform with the All-District Honor Band at Hayfield Secondary School in late January/early February.

2.) Work with the Guest Clinician/Conductor.

3.) Attend all rehearsals and sectionals.

VIRGINIA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION SOLO and ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL MEDALS

This award goes to a student who demonstrates the following criteria:

All students in bands that participate in the Solo and Ensemble Festival in May and score an Excellent or Superior receive a medal for their performance.

SUPERLATIVES

These awards are voted on by the students and the elections are run by the student officers.

Most Spirited:                            Most Likely to Succeed in Music:  

Best Behaved:                            Most Dedicated:                     Best Posture:           

Most Positive:                             Most Improved       Best Attitude:                       

Most Focused:                            Funniest:                                Most Dependable:  

Most Fashionable                        Most Involved in the Band:               

Click HERE to vote!   
(Coming in May 2026)

VIRGINIA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION STATE ASSESSMENT CERTIFICATES

This award goes to a student who demonstrates the following criteria:

All students in bands that participate in the State Concert Band Assessment Festival in March and score an Excellent or Superior receive a Certificate of Achievement for their performance.

VIRGINIA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION BLUE RIBBON CERTIFICATES

The Blue Ribbon Award is given by the Virginia Music Educators Association to schools across the Commonwealth whose advanced ensembles in the Music Department earn the rating of Superior.  

MOST IMPROVED

These awards are hand-selected by Mr. Niehoff.

This award goes to students in each class who demonstrate the following criteria:

1.)                Improves on their tone quality.

2.)                Improves on the understanding of musical elements and concepts.

3.)                Improves on their rhythmic and note accuracy in rehearsal and performance.

AWARD OF DISTINCTION

These awards are hand-selected by Mr. Niehoff.

This award goes to students who demonstrate the following criteria:

1.)                Demonstrates excellent rehearsal technique and etiquette.

2.)                Is always well-behaved in all rehearsal and performance settings.

Gives his/her best effort in every possible way.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT

These awards are hand-selected by Mr. Niehoff.

This award goes to students who demonstrate the following criteria:

1.)                Understands and displays knowledge of musical expression.

2.)                Plays with emotion and precision.

3.)                Participates in all band functions with a great and positive attitude.

MUSICAL EXCELLENCE

These awards are hand-selected by Mr. Niehoff.

This award goes to students who demonstrate the following criteria:

1.)                Demonstrates Musicianship and Musicality.

2.)                Demonstrates improvement throughout the school year.

3.)                Demonstrates a desire to continue improvement.

4.)                Scores among the highest on “In-Class Performances” (Assessments.)

5.)                Demonstrates that music is an essential part to their life.

6.)                Offers to help with the continued success of the band program.

7.)                Participates in Solo and Ensemble Festival and/or District Band Auditions.

NATIONAL DIRECTOR’S AWARD FOR BAND

This award is hand-selected by Mr. Niehoff.

This award goes to one 8th Grade student across the band (regardless of level) who demonstrates the following criteria:

1.)                Demonstrates Musicianship.

2.)                Demonstrates improvement throughout the year.

3.)                Demonstrates a desire to keep improving and learning new things.

4.)                Demonstrates that music is an essential part to their life.

5.)                Performs at the highest levels for all performances, in solo and group settings.

6.)                In the future, have a willingness to build on what they have already learned.

7.)                Practices faithfully.

8.)                Gives best effort in everything he/she does.

9.)                Participant in Solo and Ensemble Festival, All-District Honor Band,
                      and/or All-District Jazz Band.