Bearcat Bands Awards
These records are an indefinite work-in-progress. Information is added here as it is discovered or shared. To provide info or to clarify/correct anything here, please email BearcatBands@ucmail.uc.edu.
Scholarships
James M. Morand Memorial Brass Scholarship
- For
- UC Bearcat Marching Band brass player that will be returning in the upcoming fall semester who most exemplifies the spirit of 1) dedication, 2) warmth, 3) selfless giving, and 4) teamwork which characterized the life of Dr. Morand and his life-long support of the UC Band
- By
- Dr. James M. Morand was a 1960 civil engineering graduate and avid supporter of the UC Bearcat Bands program. Both he and his wife, Diane, have shared their generosity with the university through art preservation projects and scholarships. He was a professor emeritus of civil and environmental engineering at the time of his death in 2002, after which several alumni paid tribute to him through memorial gifts to the band.
- Criteria
- (S)he might best be described as an “unsung hero” and friend to all, dedicated to the greater good of the band, and someone who goes about the tasks at hand with cheerful dependability without ever expecting, or seeking, acknowledgement or accolades
- Selection Process
- Annual spring semester application; selected by the Director of Bands in consultation with the band staff
- Renewable
- Yes, as long as the student maintains the required scholarship recipient criteria
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Christian Schuster | 2006 |
| Josh Rarick | 2007 |
| No award | 2008 |
| Corey Knapke Donald Morehead |
2009 |
| Jeff Cole | 2010 |
| Joe Moody | 2011 |
| Brian Casey | 2012 |
| Samantha Hoelscher | 2013 |
| Alexandra Monnin Laura Stueve |
2014 |
| Joseph Herzog Lydia Smoot |
2015 |
| Brian Ginn Paige Hoff Ray Peng |
2016 |
| Matt Robleski | 2017 |
| Marie Weaver | 2018 |
| Wesley Reed | 2019 |
| Connor Dougherty | 2020 |
| Jun Tanaka | 2021 |
| Christina Luebbe | 2022 |
Julie Benken Memorial Drum Major Scholarship
- For
- Minimum one year served as UC Bearcat Bands Drum Major; junior or senior status; in good academic standing with your college as a full-time student of UC
- By
- Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Benken in memory of their daughter Julie
- Criteria
- Student must exemplify the characteristics of Julie Benken, particularly in terms of 1) leadership, 2) mentoring; 3) compassion; 4) enthusiasm, and having the best interests of the Bearcat Bands at heart
- Selection Process
- Director of Bands selects the recipient in consultation with the band staff
- Renewable
- Yes, as long as the student maintains the required scholarship recipient criteria
| Names | Years |
|---|---|
| David Wolfe | 2008 |
| Rob Jaques | 2009 |
| John Stueve | 2010 |
| Corey Knapke | 2011 |
| Michael Stott | 2012 |
| Benjamin Lozar | 2013 |
| Benjamin Lozar Laura Pinzone Michael Stott |
2014 |
| Mitchell Bleser Melanie Richardson |
2015 |
| Tony Halusek Jamie McGinnis |
2016 |
| Connor Wood | 2017 |
| Ashley Lengel | 2018 |
| Isabelle Reynolds | 2019 |
| John O'Toole | 2020 |
| Nicholas Clark Sarah Stevens |
2021 |
| Tanner Stacy | 2022 |
Ohio Brass Factory Foundation Scholarship
- For
- The individual recognized as the “Outstanding Woodwind” member of the UC Bearcat Bands
- By
- The Ohio Brass Factory Foundation, Dr. Terren L. Frenz and Debra Frenz
- Criteria
- Outstanding musicianship; Dependability; Continuous membership of a minimum two years; Strong moral character; Friendly and courteous manner; Excellent academic standing; Concern for the welfare of others and the band as a whole; Willingness to support the Ohio Brass Factory Foundation’s scholarship efforts
- Selection Process
- Annual spring semester application; Director of Bands narrows applicant pool to three; Dr. and Mrs. Frenz select the recipient
- Renewable
- Yes, as long as the student maintains the required scholarship recipient criteria
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Betsy Swartz Heather Wilhelm |
2000 |
| Wes Carney | 2018 |
| Megan Ginn | 2019 |
| Megan Ginn | 2020 |
| Andrew Brand | 2021 |
| Sara Marijolovic | 2022 |
Rockwern Scholarship
- For
- UC Bearcat Band members in appreciation of their service to the university and community
- By
- The Rockwern Charitable Foundation via the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
- Criteria
- Determined annually by the Director of Bands
- In recent academic years, the following have been used (subject to change)
- Two consecutive semesters of Bearcat Bands participation (or exception for co-op)
- Winds & Percussion [Option 1]: Spirit (Marching & Basketball both semesters) + a Spring Concert or Jazz Band (does not require Spring Spirit participation)
- Winds & Percussion [Option 2]: Fall Concert or Jazz Band + Spring Concert or Jazz Band (does not require Spring Spirit participation)
- Percussion [Option 3]: Spirit (Marching & Basketball both semesters) + Spring percussion sessions if unable to be in a Concert or Jazz Band
- Color Guard: Spirit (Marching in fall) + Spring Color Guard Development Sessions
- Twirlers: Spirit (Marching in fall) + spring competitions and/or UC basketball performances
- Receive no less than an "A" in any ensemble, each semester
- At least sophomore status
- Amount Calculation
- In general, the total # of eligible students ÷ annual money generated by the endowment
- Upon earning graduating senior status, an additional amount may be supplementally added
- Those appointed to the Student Leadership Team may also receive a supplemental amount
- Two consecutive semesters of Bearcat Bands participation (or exception for co-op)
- Selection Process
- Determined annually by the Director of Bands
- Renewable
- Determined annually by the Director of Bands
R. Robert and Mary Hornyak Scholarship
- For
- Undergraduate instrumental (woodwind, brass, or percussion) members having served one full year in the UC Bearcat Bands; Sophomore to senior status; Must be in good academic standing with a minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA; Must be enrolled full-time and matriculating at any college of the University of Cincinnati
- By
- Through the generosity of the Hornyak family, friends, and alumni
- Criteria
- A student that exemplifies qualities of merit and commitment to 1) leadership, 2) loyalty, 3) musicianship, 4) strong moral character, and 5) academics; It is the hope of the Hornyak family that the recipient will continue his/her quests for knowledge and realize his/her dreams
- Selection Process
- Annual spring semester application; selected by the Assistant Director for Scholarships in the Student Financial Aid Office upon recommendations from the Director of Bands and committee
- Renewable
- Yes, as long as the student maintains the required scholarship recipient criteria
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Bethany Lillie | 2018 |
| Megan Ginn | 2019 |
| Jordan Perrin | 2020 |
| David Selzer | 2021 |
UC Band Alumni Association Scholarship
- For
- Any current member of the UC Bearcat Bands that is returning the next academic year; In good standing with your college
- By
- Gifts provided by band alumni, family, and friends
- Criteria
- Those holding positions of leadership in the band program receive special consideration
- Selection Process
- Annual spring semester application and interview; selected by a committee from the UC Band Alumni Association
- Renewable
- Yes, as long as the student maintains the required scholarship recipient criteria
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Barb Meyer, winner | 1994 |
| Erik Klose, winner Brian Ginn, first runner-up Christian LeDuc, second runner-up |
2018 |
| Jordan Perrin, winner Emily Kiehl, first runner-up Christian LeDuc, second runner-up |
2019 |
| Christina Luebbe & Tiffany Stalla, winners Megan Ginn & Kristen Lenze, runners-up |
2020 |
| Sarah Stevens, winner Adia Reed, first runner-up Joey Foster, second runner-up |
2021 |
| Eliza Angelo, winner Kayla Gibbins, first runner-up Sarah Dieterich, co-second runner-up Abbey Kramer, co-second runner-up |
2022 |
Other Awards
Directors Award
- For
- Current band members, though not necessarily recipients of a Rockwern Scholarship, whose service and dedication to the UC Bearcat Bands program is recognized as outstanding by the Director of Bands
- By
- Determined annually by the Director of Bands
- Criteria
- In recognition of extended service and unceasing contributions without regard for personal reward or gain
- Selection Process
- Determined annually by the Director of Bands
- Renewable
- Determined annually by the Director of Bands
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Roy A. Colclaser | 1959 |
| Mike Short | 1997 |
| Jodie Theis | 1998 |
| Mike Rutherford | 1999 |
| Betsy Swartz Heather Wilhelm |
2000 |
| Emily Ploetz | 2001 |
| Matt Lanzoff | 2002 |
| Matt Schmucki | 2010 |
| Suzy Carter Angela Lawrence |
2018 |
| Robin Bearss Violet Burd Anna Lanzillotta Katina Pahoundis |
2019 |
| Caitlyn Anderson Matthew Cecil Cameron Hoffman |
2020 |
| Gabe Beebe Isabelle Reynolds |
2021 |
| Catherine D'Amico Josie Davis Anita Ney Will Tuttle |
2022 |
Friend of the Bearcat Bands Award
- For
- Campus and community members who are not active band members whose service and dedication to the UC Bearcat Bands program is recognized as outstanding by the Director of Bands
- By
- Determined annually by the Director of Bands
- Criteria
- Determined annually by the Director of Bands
- Selection Process
- Determined annually by the Director of Bands
- Renewable
- Determined annually by the Director of Bands
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Dave Sheppler | 1996 |
| Bill Harvey | 1997 |
| Rob Pugh | 2000 |
| Bob & Nancy Muench | 2001 |
| Arlene Brill Linda Gall |
2002 |
| Andrew Hitchcock Lori Hitchcock |
2018 |
| John Goering Goering Center for Family and Private Business |
2019 |
| Ginger Warner Bill & Cindy Morelli |
2020 |
| Andre Seoldo | 2021 |
| Bill Frigge | 2022 |
Ben & Dee Gettler Spirit of the Bearcat Bands Award
- For
- Current band members that are also recipients of a Rockwern Scholarship whose service and dedication to the UC Bearcat Bands program is recognized as outstanding by the Director of Bands
- By
- The Gettler Family Foundation
- Criteria
- Determined annually by the Director of Bands
- Selection Process
- Determined annually by the Director of Bands
- Renewable
- Determined annually by the Director of Bands
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Matt Schmucki | 2009 |
| Corey Knapke | 2010 |
| Amanda LaCombe | 2011 |
| Benjamin Lozar | 2012 |
| Zachary Shepherd | 2013 |
| Emily Tenoever | 2014 |
| Stephen Krishnan | 2015 |
| Tessa Werth | 2016 |
| William Wright | 2017 |
| Mike Mitchum | 2018 |
| Eric Henggeler Spencer Light Emma Rednour |
2019 |
| Rebecca Cole | 2020 |
| David Eppele | 2021 |
| John Danko | 2022 |
Outstanding First Year Award
- For
- Any student that has completed their first full academic year of participation in the UC Bearcat Bands
- By
- UC's Theta chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
- Selection Criteria
- Determined by TBS
- Renewable
- Determined by TBS
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Alex Tomlinson | 2006 |
| Sean Price | 2007 |
| Aaron Manley | 2008 |
| Chris Morbitzer | 2009 |
| Becky Bogard | 2010 |
| Phillip Langenkamp | 2011 |
| Allison Jennings | 2012 |
| No award | 2013 |
| Peter Wahl | 2014 |
| Michael Hall | 2015 |
| Information needed | 2016 |
| Information needed | 2017 |
| Information needed | 2018 |
| Tanner Stacy | 2019 |
| Kristen Lenze | 2020 |
| Nevaeh Mosley | 2021 |
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Albert Zeldenrubt | 1930 |
| James M. Morand | 1956 |
| Rob Hansen |
2006 |
| Matt Schmucki | 2007 |
| Kortney Borrowitz | 2008 |
| Zach Smith | 2009 |
| Joe Moody | 2010 |
| Brittany Ziegler | 2011 |
| Melanie Richardson | 2012 |
| No award | 2013 |
| Timothy Hawk Samantha Jarrett |
2014 |
| Bethany Lillie | 2015 |
Outstanding Senior Award
- For
- Any student that has completed their fourth full academic year of participation in the UC Bearcat Bands
- By
- UC's Theta chapter of Tau Beta Sigma
- Selection Criteria
- Determined by TBS
- Renewable
- Determined by TBS
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Julie Benken | 1996 |
| Chris Ertel | 1997 |
| Mike Short | 1998 |
| Mike Rutherford | 1999 |
| Melissa Silsby | 2000 |
| Bob Dennedy | 2001 |
| Chris Kannel | 2002 |
| Rob Pugh | 2003 |
| Michelle Marion | 2004 |
| Phillip Bender | 2005 |
| Andrew Scheidt | 2006 |
| Kellie Cozart | 2007 |
| Grant Thornberry | 2007 |
| Michael Jordan Lee | 2008 |
| Brandon Digiantonio | 2009 |
| Rob Hansen | 2010 |
| Abigail Resnick | 2011 |
| Courtney DiVincenzo | 2012 |
| Stephanie Bowman | 2013 |
| Laura Pinzone | 2014 |
| Zak Shepherd | 2015 |
| Jamie McGinnis | 2016 |
| Hayley Drewyor | 2017 |
| Information needed | 2018 |
| Eric Henggeler | 2019 |
| Rebecca Cole | 2020 |
| Megan Ginn | 2021 |
R. Robert Hornyak Award
- For
- Any person that has provided outstanding service to the UC Bearcat Bands
- By
- UC Bearcat Bands Student Council; award established in 1970 upon the retirement of Dr. Hornyak, 6th Director of Bands
- Selection Criteria
- Determined through a process of nominations, voting, and Band Council deliberation conducted by the Historian during spring semester; acceptable reason for bestowing the award to the nominee is given by the nominator
- Renewable
- Not applicable
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Dr. R. Robert Hornyak | 1970 |
| John DeFoor | 1971 |
| Sue & Larry Brown | 1972 |
| Dr. & Mrs. James Morand | 1973 |
| Paul Wells | 1974 |
| No award | 1975 |
| Gary Penfield | 1976 |
| Mr. & Mrs. Woodrow Hodges | 1977 |
| No award | 1978-1987 |
| James Michael Taylor | 1988 |
| No award | 1989 |
| Matthew Edwin Shad | 1990 |
| No award | 1991 |
| Jeff Ulsh | 1992 |
| No award | 1993 |
| Michael Zierolf | 1994 |
| John Jay Kreimer & John William Kreimer III | 1995 |
| Dr. Terren L. Frenz | 1996 |
| Dave Scheppler | 1997 |
| Mel & Sue Rutherford | 1998 |
| Steve Masters | 1999 |
| Melissa Christine Silsby | 2000 |
| Rick & Chris Longhauser | 2001 |
| Tom Talmage | 2002 |
| Robert Pugh | 2003 |
| Christopher M. Kannel | 2004 |
| Phillip Bender, Jr. | 2005 |
| Ryan J. Leitz | 2006 |
| Julie Benken | 2007 |
| Michael Lee & Robert Fisher | 2008 |
| Julie Dorenbusch | 2009 |
| Randall Smith | 2010 |
| Matthew Schmucki | 2011 |
| Mr. Nick Angelis | 2012 |
| Nick DelleCave | 2013 |
| Dr. Jody Besse | 2014 |
| Brian Maynard | 2015 |
| Clint Hodges | 2016 |
| Arlene Brill | 2017 |
| Robert Sorrell | 2018 |
| Dee Gettler | 2019 |
| No award | 2020 |
| Dr. Mitchel Livingston | 2021 |
| LeAnne Anklan | 2022 |
Roy A. Colclaser Awards
- For
- Current band members, though not necessarily recipients of a Rockwern Scholarship, whose participation in one particular aspect of the UC Bearcat Bands program is recognized as outstanding by the Director of Bands
- By
- Roy A. Colclaser, for whom these awards are named, was very active in band serving as a section leader for percussion for two years and in the Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, serving as president of the chapter during academic years 1957-58 and 1958-59. At graduation, Roy Colclaser was presented with the Directors Award for 1959. (Roy later received his Masters in Electrical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University and PhD from the University of New Mexico.) After graduation, Roy approached the UC Director of Bands with the idea of setting up awards for musicianship in each of the bands. These awards were to be granted to the outstanding musician in each, the cost being underwritten by Roy Colclaser. The decision as to the recipient of the awards was to be left to the discretion of the director. A stipulation was placed on the awards that once one received a Colclaser Award, s/he automatically became ineligible for future consideration. Any individual, regardless of year in college, is eligible for these awards, first presented in 1960. With the growth of the Bearcat Bands over the years, some ensembles do not stress musicianship but rather other factors are considered such as attendance, attitude, performing ability (if not a musical environment), and so on.
- Criteria
- Determined annually by the Director of Bands
- Selection Process
- Determined annually by the Director of Bands
- Renewable
- Once a student receives a Colclaser Award for a particular ensemble, they are ineligible to receive it for that ensemble again
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Melissa Silsby | 1997 |
| J.J. Reinhart | 1998 |
| Jeff November | 1999 |
| Melissa Silsby | 2000 |
| Tom Herbort | 2001 |
| Michelle Jackson | 2002 |
| Name | Ensemble |
|---|---|
| William Gaines | Marching Band |
| Cameron Hoffman | Basketball Band |
| Justin Cathers | Gig Bands |
| Adrian Campos | Jazz Band 2 |
| Austin Figliola | Jazz Band 1 |
| Hannah Clark | Tuesday Concert Band |
| Reilly Hendrickson | Thursday Concert Band |
| Katie Macke | Percussion Ensemble |
| Jaclyn Jones | Brass Ensemble |
| Jordan Perrin | Woodwind Ensemble |
| Brian Ginn | Beginning Band |
| Corri Geis | Winter Exhibition Color Guard |
| Name | Ensemble |
|---|---|
| Chase Hill | Marching Band |
| Caitlyn Anderson | Basketball Band |
| Brian Ginn | Gig Bands |
| David Eppele | Fall Jazz Band |
| Megan Lavilla | Fall Concert Band |
| Noah Muse | Spring Jazz Band |
| Mike Mitchum | Spring Advanced Jazz Band |
| Zachary Dendler | Spring Concert Band |
| Troy Abele | Spring Advanced Concert Band |
| Josh May | Percussion Ensemble |
| Isaac Poplin | Beginning Band |
| Erin Graska | Winter Exhibition Color Guard |
| Name | Ensemble |
|---|---|
| Henry Dantzer | Marching Band |
| Robert Jimmar | Basketball Band |
| Joshua Jefferson Jaclyn Jones Audrey Mix |
Gig Bands |
| William Pritschau | Fall Jazz Band |
| Jacob Bakonyi | Fall Concert Band |
| Wes Reed | Spring Jazz Band |
| Joey Foster | Spring Advanced Jazz Band |
| Jordan Perrin | Spring Afternoon Concert Band |
| David Eppele | Spring Evening Concert Band |
| Ben Middleton | Spring Advanced Concert Band |
| Adam Chapman | Percussion Ensemble |
| Vincent Anderton | Beginning Band |
| Marcy Bordas | Winter Exhibition Color Guard |
| Name | Ensemble |
|---|---|
| Sam Abbott | Fall LOPE (Marching Band) |
| Logan King | Basketball Band Percussion |
| Christina Luebbe | Basketball Band Winds |
| Jackson Wilking | Spring Jazz Combo |
| Eric Ullom | Spring Jazz Band |
| Kristen Lenze | Spring Flute Choir |
| Spencer Light | Spring Clarinet Choir |
| Andrew Brand | Spring Saxophone Choir |
| Bradley Davidson | Spring Trumpet Choir |
| Ben Romig | Spring Trombone Choir |
| Jaclyn Jones | Spring 5:30 Brass Ensemble |
| Chase Hill | Spring 7:30 Brass Ensemble |
| Joshua May David Selzer |
Percussion Ensemble |
| Rachael Williams | Beginning Band |
| Erin Graska | Winter Exhibition Color Guard |
| Name | Ensemble |
|---|---|
| Hannah Hawryluk | Marching Band |
| Julie Blechschmid | Basketball Band |
| Jacob Robinson | Gig Bands |
| Josh Duebber | Fall Jazz Band |
| Steele Stabler | Fall Concert Band |
| Ben Seamon | Spring Early Jazz Band |
| Jimi Hackney | Spring Late Jazz Band |
| Nate Steffen | Spring Symphonic Band |
| Shaelyn O'Brien | Spring Wind Ensemble |
| Zander Pimenidis | Spring Spirit Band |
| Megan Westermeyer | Winter Exhibition Color Guard |
Other Awards By Year
| Name | Award |
|---|---|
| Nick Ayers | Jazz Ensemble |
| Stacy Hunkler John Brown J.J. Reinhart Paul Thorman Mike Short Andy Pruyn Rick Wolfel |
Musical Achievement |
| Sandy Zoller Tana Weingartner Becky Schneider |
Visual Achievement |
| Trombone & Color Guard | Section of the Year |
| Name | Award |
|---|---|
| Nick Ayers | Jazz Ensemble |
| Tom Herbort Betsy Swarz Nikki Royce Bob Dennedy Jason Zerkle Jason Muench John Bertoli Emma Reid Jill Naudad |
Musical Achievement |
| Deesha Dyer Brandy Kinsey |
Visual Achievement |
| Trombone & Color Guard | Section of the Year |
| Name | Award |
|---|---|
| Tom Herbort |
Jazz Ensemble |
| Melinda Eldridge Alana Knapp Dan Wade Nick Landers Maddy Dotson Eric Burroughs Bret Pepitione Danny Royce |
Musical Achievement |
| Jodi Theis Emily Ploetz |
Visual Achievement |
| Clarinet & Tuba | Section of the Year |
| Name | Award |
|---|---|
| Tom Herbort Brian Hauk |
Jazz Ensemble |
| Scott Brindley Tom Herbort Sara Cheney Bob Dennedy Dustin Miller Andy Staley Brad Howard |
Musical Achievement |
| Angie Kozman | Visual Achievement |
| French Horns/ Mellophones |
Section of the Year |
| Dan Wade Thanapat Vichetchot Rob Pugh Kevin McGInn |
Meritorious Service |
| Name | Award |
|---|---|
| Tom Herbort Steve Gentry |
Jazz Ensemble |
| Betsy Swarz Tim Johnson Glenn Peyton Barry Baughman John Bertoli Andy Staley |
Musical Achievement |
| Kristie Orndorff | Visual Achievement |
| Tubas & Percussion | Section of the Year |
| TBS & KKPsi | Meritorious Service |
| Name | Award |
|---|---|
| Steve Gentry Glenn Payton Mike Cloppert Tom Herbort |
Jazz Ensemble |
| Scott Brindley Bob Schneider Matt Oakland Tara Brosemer |
Musical Achievement |
| Kristie Orndorff | Visual Achievement |
| Saxophones & Baritones | Section of the Year |