HSMA Awards 
HSMA is extremely proud of the accomplishments of our students on and off the performance stage. While we value all of our students and parents, there are occasions when some stand out and for whom recognition is appropriate. The following represent the various recognition and awards that HSMA offers to deserving individuals.
Practice Awards
The Practice Awards are awarded to each student who meets the requirements of the Practice Awards Program.  These awards are typically gift certificates from Marshall Music in the amount of $10.00 ($5.00 contributed by HSMA and matched by Marshall Music) and are awarded twice per year.
Practice Room ‘Hermit’ Awards
“Practice Room Hermits” are those who practice at least 150% of the required minutes for a single group, or the total requirement of both groups if participating in two groups.  Special recognition will be awarded to all students who meet the above criteria. A trophy will be awarded to the top “Practice Room Hermit” in each group at the end of the year.

The Century Club
The Century Club is an exclusive group of HSMA students who have achieved a perfect score of 100 on a Proficiency Test at State Solo & Ensemble. Achieving a score of 100 on a Proficiency Test is a very rare accomplishment.

Honors Recital
The HSMA Honors Recital is an invitation-only special performance that showcases the very best individual musicians and small ensembles. Honors Recital honorees receive a plaque, a rose, a reception in their honor, and a CD recording of the Honors Recital. The criteria for invitation to perform in the Honors Recital are:

  • Membership in one of the senior performing ensembles (Symphonic Band, Chancel Choir, or Senior Orchestra)
  • Exceeding the minimum practice requirements
  • Involvement in all ensemble activities
  • Consistent demonstration of Christ-like character
  • For instrumentalists: Receiving a Superior rating (“I”)  or passing a Proficiency (“I”) at Solo & Ensemble
  • For vocalists:  Receiving a Superior rating (“I”) at Solo & Ensemble
Those invited will be selected from students meeting the above qualifications by the conductors of the Chancel Choir, the Symphony Orchestra, and the President of HSMA.
Artist Circle
The Artist Circle is a very special honor accorded a maximum of one student per year, and may not be awarded in a given year. The purpose of the Artist Circle is to provide one very advanced musician the opportunity to perform in concert as a featured soloist with either the Senior Orchestra or Symphonic Band at the Annual Spring Concert. Artist Circle honorees receive a plaque and the Frances E. Simpson Scholarship. Upcoming seniors may be nominated by their conductors at the conductor’s complete discretion if the student meets the following minimum requirements:
  • Membership in one of the senior performing ensembles (Symphonic Band, Chancel Choir, or Senior Orchestra)
  • Will be a senior the following school year with plans to graduate the spring of that year
  • Passing a Proficiency Test at Solo & Ensemble Festival in the previous year (instrumentalists) or passing sight reading at the advanced level (vocalists)
  • Exceeding the minimum practice requirements in the previous year
  • Involvement in all ensemble activities
  • Consistent demonstration of Christ-like character

If more than one senior is nominated, an audition will be held and final selection will be made by a panel of adjudicators selected by HSMA.