Awards and Letters

Each year students enrolled in WHRS bands will have the opportunity to earn an activities letter in band. In order to achieve this honor, students must meet at least four (4) of the following requirements:

• Be a member in good standing of the Jazz Band or Jazz Combo

• Be a member in good standing of the Basketball Pep Band

• Participate in all football games and parade performances in a school year 

• Serve in the band leadership

• Prepare for and perform at the regional solo/ensemble festival

• Audition to be a member of the All-State/All-Northwest band or orchestra

• Participate in one of the the WIBC or PLU Honor bands

• Take private music lessons for the current school year 

• Summer music camps (summer before school starts)

• Local community or honor band/orchestra memberships as approved by the band administration (Heritage House, Gateway Band, etc.)

In addition to letters, the band administration and students will recognize student excellence and give the following awards at the end of each academic year:

• Outstanding Freshman Musician

• Most Improved Freshman Musician

• Outstanding Sophomore Musician

• Outstanding Junior Musician

• Judi Dodson Senior MVP Award

• Louis Armstrong Award for excellence in Jazz

Given in recognition of outstanding achievements in the field of jazz as demonstrated through superior musicianship, character, and individual creativity.

• John Philip Sousa Band Award 

Given in recognition of outstanding achievement and interest in instrumental music, for singular merit in loyalty and cooperation, and for displaying those high qualities of conduct that school instrumental music requires.

Graduation Cords

• Graduating seniors with 4 credits of performance-based music classes (band or choir or a combination) AND two years of participation at a solo/ensemble festival can earn a music cord to wear with their graduation robe.

Finally, The White River Band Parent Support Committee offers an annual scholarship to any graduating senior band member for college expenses, regardless of major. The scholarship is $2500 and is awarded at the all-district band concert in early March.