Awards

Kenneth Liu Memorial Scholarship

Presented to one or two senior orchestra students for whom Orchestra is a priority. The recipients represent the philosophy that instrumental music in high school and beyond brings ongoing enrichment and confidence to students’ lives and makes them better people.

Glenn Katz Memorial Scholarship

This award is presented annually to a senior music student who is planning to pursue music in college and has made significant contributions to the Samohi Music Department.

National School Orchestra Association Awards

Under the sponsorship of the Music Educators National Conference, two students are selected for this award each year, based on outstanding performance and their contributions to the orchestra. Additionally, the recipient of this award must have participated in regional, state, or national honor orchestras.

Individual Orchestra Awards

These awards are presented to the most outstanding musicians in the
Chamber, Symphony, Philharmonic, Intermezzo, Sinfonia, Concert, String and Beginning Orchestras.

Con Brio Awards

The Con Brio or “Spirit” awards are given to the two students who have made significant overall contributions to the orchestra program.

Individual Orchestra Awards

These awards are presented to the most outstanding musicians in the
Chamber, Symphony, Philharmonic, Intermezzo, Sinfonia, Concert, String and Beginning Orchestras.

Kiwanis Finalists

Graduating seniors who have participated in the orchestra program for four years are commended with a medal and certificate.

Vanai Jelks Private Lesson Scholarship Program

The Samohi Orchestra Parents Association has created a needs and merit-based scholarship program for private instruction to support students’ progress in Orchestra classes. Up to ten students will be selected to receive 25 private lessons from an approved private instructor during the school year. Applications will be available at the beginning of the school year.