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Our 2022-2023 Honor Choir Scholarship Recipients:

What is the ACDA National Honor Choir?

The American Choral Directors Association hold Honor Choir auditions every year. On even years, they hold Regional Honor Choir Auditions. Students from the northeast (11 states) are eligible to audition. On odd years, they hold National Honor Choir Auditions. Students from the entire country (all 50 states) are eligible to audition. Each year thousands of students audition for minimal spots. Caravel has been fortunate to send students to both Regional and National Honor Choirs in Philadelphia, Rhode Island, Baltimore, Dallas, Minnesota, Rochester, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Boston and now CINCINNATI! Our students have been fortunate to work with world-renowned conductors and singers from across the country. It is hard work and truly the experience of a lifetime! 

What is the Honors Performance Series?

The world’s renowned stages demand the world’s best performers. The Honors Performance Series assembles some of the world’s rising young musicians to perform under the baton of master conductors at several of the world’s most celebrated concert halls: Carnegie Hall in New York City, USA; Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia; Royal Festival Hall at Southbank Centre in London, England; and the Musikverein in Vienna, Austria. Caravel Academy has been fortunate to have 6 high school students and 1 junior high school students selected to the Carnegie Hall Performance Honor Choirs and now 2 students who have been selected to the International Honor Choir Program.

What is Drum Major Academy?

Drum Major Academy is a regional minicamp for students preparing to lead their marching bands. We have proudly sent our majors-in-training to DMA for over ten years. Multiple generations of CA musicians have made friends, learned new skills, and witnessed the inspirational leadership techniques of Heidi Sarver at Drum Major Academy camps, and these experiences are essential for building a positive culture in our own band. Conducting, commanding, teaching, and marching are just a few examples of the vital skills our students learn at DMA, but the real benefit is the undeniable spirit of camaraderie and excellence that our young leaders bring back to the Caravel Academy Marching Buccaneers.

Erik-Machai Wilkerson Grade 9:

​​Hi my name is Michai Wilkerson and I am ecstatic to represent my school and fellow choir members this year at the national ACDA choir. I have been participating in Caravels choir a music department, performing with the choir since fourth grade. I also do Caravel theatre participating in last years show of your a good man Charlie Brown as Charlie Brown. I truly appreciate your support for my fellow musicians and me.

Abby- Grade 5: 

Hi, my name is Abigail Boyd and I am in 5th grade. I am very excited to be chosen for the ACDA National Honors Choir. So far, I have participated in musicals, Choir, marching band clinic, and previous all state honors choir. Outside of school I have practiced the violin and singing. I have also sang the national anthem on multiple occasions. I have always enjoyed singing and I know this is a amazing opportunity to sing at this event!

Kelsey Passwaters- Grade 8:

Hi, my name is Kelsey Passwaters and I am in 8th grade. I have been involved in music since I was 3. I am in choir and Junior Tri-m. I am very thankful for being chosen for ACDA National Honor Choir. I am also very thankful for my vocal teacher Bill Jenkins and my family, I wouldn’t have made it without them. This is such an amazing learning opportunity. ​

Hannah Maniyatte Grade 12:

Hi, I am Hannah Maniyatte, a senior in the marching band who has participated since 7th grade. I was incredibly grateful to be able to attend DMA. There, I was able to learn more about being a leader in the band and other helpful skills that come with the role of drum major, like conducting, teaching marching basics, and learning commands to direct the band. This opportunity also allowed me to meet fellow drum majors from different schools and work with them throughout my time there. This program helped me take the first step into my role as a drum major. ​

Brahmin Brown Grade 12:

Hi, my name is Brahmin Brown and I am a senior in high school and have been in the marching band since my freshman year. I attended DMA, an academy for drum majors where I learned various skills such as conducting, calling commands, and throwing a mace in the air. There was also a large importance on the ability to be a leader within the band as well as throughout one's entire life. I met many drum majors from schools across the northeast region who I still communicate with. What was only four days felt as if it was a year; everything was so much fun. There were many competitions there where we would have to work together in our squads of six and try to out-perform the other 200 students there. DMA was a great experience and I am very glad to have received the opportunity to attend.