Arion Award winner

The Arion Award is the oldest and most prestigious national award for outstanding achievement by high school musicians in band, orchestra and chorus. This year’s recipient is Courtney Tabor, the daughter of Troy and Amber Tabor. This is the first time in the recent history of the Arion Award that the recipient has won both the instrumental and vocal awards. She was chosen for the Vocal Arion Award by NHS choral director, Norm Grimm. High school director of bands Jim Beerends nominated her for the Arion Award in Band. Leland Cook, longtime Newton band instructor, started the presentation on behalf of Newton Noon Kiwanis more than 60 years ago. Selection for this honor is based on the student’s individual contribution to his or her musical organization, scholastic standing, musicianship, performance ability, and demonstration of personal qualities in keeping with the school’s standards.