George m. Turmail band award
George M. Turmail came to the Ladue School District in 1952 and taught until 1977. He served as band director, musical orchestra director, and coordinator of music during his tenure with the Ladue Schools. His compassion and dedication for music and students was exemplary. This award, named after Mr. Turmail, is presented to the senior who, during four years in the bands, has become an outstanding musician on his/her instrument. The student must be involved with the band program and should participate in other outside activities such as the musical orchestra, All-Suburban Band, All-State Band, Solo Festival, Community Music School of Webster University orchestra, the Youth Symphony, or other community groups. The student should demonstrate leadership qualities, be a good role model for younger students, have a good knowledge of music, and demonstrate qualities that are similar to those of George M. Turmail. The award will also include a scholarship toward the senior’s future education.
bill brackman distinguished service award
Bill Brackman came to the Ladue School District in 1963 and taught until 1993. He served as elementary band director, marching band director, junior high band director, and orchestra director. His dedication and enthusiasm for teaching was exemplary during his 30 year tenure with the Ladue School District. This award is presented to the senior or seniors who have been involved with the band program over the past four years and who has/have demonstrated instrumental proficiency. The student should participate in other activities such as the musical orchestra or jazz band and be an individual who consistently thinks of the group first, never expecting anything in return. This award will go to an individual who has gone beyond the call of duty, who has willingly assisted in the day to day operation of the band program, and who demonstrates qualities that are similar to those of Bill Brackman. The award will also include a scholarship toward the senior’s future education.
james r. waechter band award
James R. Waechter came to the Ladue School District in 1987 and served as Director of Bands for the high school and middle school until his retirement in 2011. During his tenure he also directed the musical orchestra, was department chair for the Fine and Performing Arts Department, and was the district music facilitator. His dedication and leadership built the band program into one of the premier programs in the state. In honor of his years of dedicated service, the Senior Class of 2011 began this award to recognize his leadership and tenure with the Ladue School District. This award, named in his honor, is presented to the senior or seniors who have actively participated in the band program and should be striving for excellence in themselves and others. The students should take advantage of extra-curricular musical opportunities, encourage others to do their best, and demonstrate qualities that are similar to those of James R. Waechter. The award will also include a scholarship toward the senior’s future education.
TOM POSHAK BAND SCHOLARSHIP
Tom Poshak was Director of Bands for Ladue High School from 1973 until 1985. He subsequently moved to Kirkwood High School and served as Director of Bands and Music Coordinator from 1985 until his retirement in June 2001. In honor of his years as a music educator, former students from Ladue wanted a way of saluting and thanking him for his dedication to music education. Through the creation of an endowment fund, a scholarship of $200.00 has been established to be applied toward summer study at a music camp or seminar of the student’s choice. This scholarship will go to an individual who is a current band student in grade 9, 10, or 11 and is based on merit and need.
Daniel K. Bruns Scholarship
Daniel K. Bruns (1981-2003) was a member of the Ladue Band program until his graduation in 2000. As a tuba player he was awarded the George M. Turmail Band Award and selected to the Missouri All-State Band, St. Louis Suburban District Honor Band, and the St. Louis Youth Symphony Orchestra. He studied privately with notable tuba players such as Jim Martin, Rex Martin, Gene Pokorny, Mike Sanders, and Alex Seratowski. Dan was a student with a love and passion for music. He was able to touch many people’s lives through this passion. Dan demonstrated that people from different backgrounds can come together in their appreciation of music. His perseverance and creative spirit allowed him to develop into an accomplished musician. In memory and recognition of Dan’s contribution to the Ladue Band program a scholarship fund has been established in his name. The student who receives this scholarship should be striving for success, passionate about music, and a respectful of the individuality of his/her peers. This scholarship is to be used for private lesson study to enable the recipient to achieve their goals on his/her instrument and achieve success similar to that achieved by Dan. This scholarship will be presented to an individual who is a current band student in grade 9, 10, or 11 and best represents the character, desire, and passion of Daniel K. Bruns. The amount of this scholarship will be $250.00 and is based on merit and need.
Betsy Kaplan Cytron Summer Band Camp Scholarship
Betsy attended the Ladue School District beginning in 5th grade, when her family moved to Creve Coeur. Her high school band director, Tom Poshak, encouraged Betsy’s studies in music, which led to her graduation from the University of Illinois with a masters in music education. In 11th grade, Betsy attended a summer band camp where she forged memories and friendships. Betsy continues to attend summer band camp in Colorado, where some 80 adults assemble each summer to study and perform concert band music. Students who attend band camps return to our program with a stronger love and appreciation of the study and performance of band repertoire. Their studies with the experts of our profession combined with the fun of meeting other students who are similarly excited about band make for lasting memories and friendships. In honor of Betsy Kaplan Cytron’s service and retirement, her family and parents established the Betsy Kaplan Cytron Summer Band Scholarship fund for students completing their first or second year of band studies in the Ladue School District. Two students are chosen each year by the band faculty based on need and merit. The scholarship will fund attendance at the Illinois Summer Youth Music program at the University of Illinois, or at a similar summer band camp program deemed suitable by the band faculty.