Rounding-out a week filled with awards ceremonies, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School honored its graduating musicians and presented scholarships to four students Wednesday night.
The choir and band rehearsals now over, competitions won and performances delivered, the school's music instructors invited their students to the stage one last time.
Led by John Brzozowski, Vincent Tuturiello and Durand Thomas, the instructors presented each senior a certificate and medal, and invited each to speak of his or her experiences as a Raiders musician. For once, the students found themselves at the front of an ensemble.
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Four seniors, in particular, stood-out from the class. Evan Levine, Laura Ruesch, Lauren Casserly, and Indranath Chattopadhyay each received a scholarship.
"Anyone receiving an award went above and beyond regular excellence," Turturiello said. "They're the leaders who step up."
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Levine, who plays the upright bass, received the Matthew Blake scholarship, awarded annually to a rhythm musician in the Moonglowers jazz ensemble. Levine will continue to play at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music this fall.
Ruesch, a clarinetist, received the Robert F. Brown Orion award, presented to a student for musical excellence. Ruesch is a four-year veteran of the high school music program. She performed in the Select Choir, the Wind Ensemble, and as a soloist in the Moonglowers.
Casserly, a tubist, won the Joseph M. Checcio scholarship. The award is given to a student who plans to major in music education. "Everything she does is on the highest level," Turturiello said. Casserly will attend West Chester University in Pennsylvania in September.
Indranath Chattopadhyay, a baritone saxophone player, received the Matthew Clancy Award. The prize goes to a student who not only demonstrates musical excellence, but "participates in almost every ensemble available through the music program," Turturiello said. Chattopadhyay performed with the Wind Ensemble, the Select Choir and the Concert Choir. He plans to major in music at Rowan University, Turturiello said.
The music department also recognized Joseph Matrale, a long-time Music Boosters coordinator, who announced his retirement from the group this year.
