Student Musician Scholarship Fund

Our 2023-2024 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 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.

Mackenzie Arsenault: Grade 6

Ray Crowder-Grade 6

I have performed with the Brandywiners in the prestigious Longwood Gardens outdoor theater. In the 2022 Wizard of Oz production, I was a flying monkey and in the lollipop guild. In the 2023 Oliver production I was an orphan and in Fagin's gang. I have also taken acting classes with John Robert Powers. I also performed in the Delaware Children's Honor Choir 2022 and 2023. I look forward to the Eastern Regional Honor Choir in Providence, RI this year. I love to sing, act and love comedy. I enjoy writing my own songs and love going to the Broadway theater. I have a passion for the fine arts, but also enjoy sports as I am on the Middle School JV Caravel Basketball team as well as Holy Angels. I just finished the football season at Holy Angels as well. I enjoy life and being with friends.

Abby Boyd- Grade 6:

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!

Mackenzie Bishop: Grade 5

Tyler Foster: Grade 5

Cora Baker: Grade 5

Ellie Wollaston: Grade 5

Kameron O'Donnell: Grade 6

Maddie Duus: Grade 10

Erik-Machai Wilkerson Grade 10:

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.

Fiona Brandenburg: Grade 8

Valerie Morecraft: Grade 8

Sofiya Sicilia: Grade 7

Mahki Mack: Grade 7

Meera Shah: Grade 8

Chase Hughes: Grade 7

Hi, my name is Chase Hughes, and I am in 7th grade. I am very excited for the opportunity to participate in the ACDA National Honor Choir. I have been a part of Caravel's music program for 3 years, as well as participating in the All State Honor Choir last year. I am ecstatic to be able to take this amazing chance to better myself in singing and in everyday life. I have enjoyed singing since I started and wish to enjoy it for many more years.

Kelsey Passwaters- Grade 9:

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.