Special Awards and
Awards Dinner Program Archives

Below is a comprehensive list of special award recipients recognized by the organization. Additionally, an archive of Music Awards Programs is available for download and viewing below. 

Awards Dinner Programs

NMBA President's Award

The NMBA President’s Award is given to a senior parent who is being recognized for their extraordinary support and dedication to Music Boosters and the music students of Nutley.

Student Awards

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. Recipient’s names are engraved on a plaque in the Music Department hallway.

Louis Armstrong Jazz Award

The Louis Armstrong Award is given out to the top senior Jazz performer in the NHS Jazz Band program. Recipient’s names are engraved on a plaque in the Music Department hallway.

The National Choral Award

The National Choral Award is the highest honor for high school choral performers. It recognizes the dedication and musical achievement of the top choral students.  Recipient’s names are engraved on a plaque in the Music Department hallway.

Michael R. Rubinstein Observance Award

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.  Recipient’s names are engraved on a plaque in the Music Department hallway.

Mr. John J. Vitkovsky Award

This award is meant to recognize the traits that Mr. Vitkovsky had displayed during his career here at Nutley High School.  These would be: Performance, Excellence, Consistency, Dedication, Work Ethic, and going above the normal call of duty.  The student who receives this award meets and exceed these traits.  Recipient’s names are engraved on a plaque in the Music Department hallway.

National Orchestra Award

The National Orchestra Award is the highest honor for high school orchestra performers. It recognizes the dedication and musical achievement of the top orchestra students. Recipient’s names are engraved on a plaque in the Music Department hallway.

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. Recipient’s names are engraved on a plaque in the Music Department hallway.