This has been a year full of honors in music for Annandale students Bryan Voigt and Riley Bruns.
Earlier this year, the pair were among an elite group of 561 musicians selected to be part of the 2012 All-State Band. It is rare, but this was Voigt’s second year to be selected for the All-State Band. Then, in early May it was announced that the two had received Annandale High School’s top two band awards – Bruns, the John Philip Sousa Award and Voigt, the Louis Armstrong Award. But that was not the end of the accolades for Bruns and Voigt. On Wednesday, May 16, at the final high school choir concert of the year, the two were honored as the male and female vocalists of the year, each receiving the National Choral Award.
John Philip Sousa award
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. Every year the students vote on who they think deserves this honor.
"Riley has gone above and beyond with her flute in the concert band," said band instructor Lee Peterson. "She is an extremely talented musician. On top of that, I have greatly appreciated the leadership she has given to her section and the band."
Louis Armstrong award
The Louis Armstrong Award was inaugurated in 1974 with the consent of his widow shortly after the great jazz artist died in 1971. It honors the outstanding jazz musician at each high school. In addition, this award recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding dedication and each year, students vote on who they think deserves this honor.
"Bryan’s talent and passion for jazz has been extremely rewarding for the band and for me as a director," Peterson said.
While Peterson praises Bruns and Voigt, the pair of musical talents credit him for being a talented instructor and musician.
"He runs a tight ship and everyone respects him," Voigt said.
Bruns added, "Everyone that has had the opportunity to study music with him has gained a lot."
National Choral award
Just like the band program, choir also chooses the top performers each year. The National Choral Award goes to one male and one female based on musicianship, leadership, hard work, the respect of their peers as well as a willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. The vote of the students, along with the input of instructor Michael Sellheim, determines the honors. Both of their names will now be added to a plaque that will hang on the AHS choir room wall for many years to come.
"The Annandale High School choir concert this year was really fun because it was something different than what we have done in the past," Bruns said. "It was fun to dress up and just let loose and have fun. Both Bryan and I really enjoy choir and just music in general."
Voigt added, "Mr. Sellheim has been an amazing teacher that has really pushed our choir to reach to the next level. He has a great balance between working hard and having fun at the same time. Plus he rocks at piano."
College plans
Voigt, who is a senior, is the son of Ken and Kari Voigt of Annandale. He has been playing the drums and other percussion instruments since the sixth grade and is involved with National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and choir. He plans to attend Gustavus Adolphus College next fall majoring in physics or mechanical engineering. He also recently learned that he has been awarded a four-year, $6,000 music scholarship from Gustavus.
"I hope to be able to pull out at least a minor in music," Voigt said. He also was recently notified that an academic scholarship is also coming his way.
Bruns, who is a senior, is the daughter of Bryan and Tracy Bruns of Annandale. She is on the golf team, is involved with National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and choir. She plans to attend Bethel University and major in finance and business. Bruns has received an academic scholarship, a leadership scholarship and a scholarship for piano and flute.