SCHOLARSHIPS & SPECIAL AWARDS
Scholarships
The scholarships are designed to encourage continued participation in instrumental music at an institution of higher learning.
Applicant must be a NHS Senior who has participated in the instrumental music program for at least ONE year while at NHS. This includes marching band, color/winter guard, concert band, orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz lab, and any afterschool ensemble offered within the instrumental music department at NHS.
The scholarship committee will consider instrumental musical achievement, character, required essay (see below), academic achievements, and outside activities, such as volunteering or holding a job.
Essay Description: A brief 500 word personal statement on how participation in the NHS Music Program has had an impact on your educational experience, activities and personal life while at NHS. Describe how this experience will carry over into your college years.
Families must be members of the Nutley Music Booster Association by November 30th of student’s senior year. Auto deduction does not apply to senior students.
Complete Listing of Scholarship Recipients (1967-present)
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Lester Hrbek Instrumental Music Scholarship
Mr. Lester Hrbek was the Nutley High School Band Director from 1956 to 1986.
During his 30 years of teaching, the Raider Band became a charter member of the Herald-News Band Festival and also had the privilege of performing at the 1964 NY World's Fair, at a halftime Show for the NY Jets Football Team at Shea Stadium, and performed by invitation on the steps of the US Senate Building and the Lincoln Memorial, and for numerous Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Parades in Orlando, Florida.
After retiring from teaching, Mr. Hrbek moved to Bricktown where he continued as a member of the Executive Board with the North Jersey Band Festival until his death in 2013.
Dr. Ernest Ersfeld Music Scholarship
Dr. Ernest Ersfeld was a member of the Nutley Music Department faculty from the early 1950s until his retirement in 1984 where he completed his career as Coordinator of Music.
During his tenure in Nutley he was very instrumental in developing what the music department is now today, serving as the director of all music ensembles until the appointment of Mr. Lester Hrbek as Band Director and Mr. Raymond Kohere as Choir Director in 1956.
He was an integral part of music advocacy in Nutley both as Director of Music Education in the school system and within the larger community as the Conductor of the Nutley Symphony Orchestra.
McBride Family Scholarship
Scholarship awarded by the McBride Family.
Special Awards
Special Awards are given to Seniors and Underclassmen at the Annual Awards Dinner. Recipients names are engraved on plaques located in the Music Department trophy case.
Complete Listing of Special Awards Recipients
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John Philip Sousa "Outstanding Contribution to Band" Award
The John Philip Sousa Award is a nationwide award that is given out to a senior that has shown superior musicianship, dependability, loyalty and cooperation to the NHS Raider Band.
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award
The Louis Armstrong Award is given out to the top senior Jazz performer in the NHS Jazz Band program.
Michael R. Rubinstein Observance Award
The recipient(s) of the Michael R. Rubinstein Award will be selected by the voting members of the current Executive Board. Michael Rubinstein was a student in the instrumental music program. The Michael R. Rubinstein Observance Award was created to honor the qualities that Michael possessed; Ambition, Benevolence, Cooperation, Courtesy, Generosity, Humor and Forgiveness. The recipient of this award is a student that stands out by continually demonstrating the ability to contribute qualities that benefit not only our instrumental program but the entire Music Program.
Mr. John Vitkovsky Award
This award is meant to recognize the traits that Mr. Vitkovsky has displayed during his career here at Nutley High School. These would be; Performance, Excellence, Consistent, Dedication, Work Ethic, and going above the normal call of duty. The student who receives this award meets and exceed these traits.
National Orchestra Award
The National Orchestra Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a member of the high school orchestra. It recognizes excellence in performance and contributions to the ensemble. The recipient of this award has shown great dedication to their art in their high school years and have made great strides, both within and beyond our school program to better themselves as a musician and member of our Orchestra.
William T. Verost "Most Improved Marcher" Award
William (Bill) Verost was a drill writer for the NHS Raider Band. During his time with the program, he wrote many original shows for the program including a Civil War and a Circus Show. Unfortunately, Mr. Verost died at a young age and in his honor, the William T. Verost “Most Improved Marcher” Award is given to a Raider Band Member that has improved their marching skills throughout the course of the year.
