Each year, CYSO presents awards to students who have distinguished themselves throughout the season and during their time in our ensembles. Chosen by our artistic and administrative staff, here are 2020’s award-winning students:
MOLLENDORF AWARD
The Mollendorf Award is given to a graduating CYSO senior to support further musical study. It is given through an endowment fund by the late Jean Mollendorf, Founder and Past President of the CYSO Board of Directors.
HILA DAHARI
Hila Dahari is a senior at Highland Park High School and has played violin since she was six years old. She has been a member of CYSO for 11 years and a member of Symphony Orchestra and CORE Chamber Orchestra. Hila has attended many prestigious summer festivals including Aspen Music Festival, Meadowmount, Curtis Summerfest, and Carnegie Hall Series. When she is not playing music, Hila enjoys making art, reading, and spending time with her family. She would like to thank her teacher, Jennifer Cappelli, for always supporting and mentoring her, as well as her family and friends.
ALBERT PICK III AWARD
The Albert Pick III Award is given to a well-rounded individual to be used to keep music as a creative and joyful part of the recipient’s life. This award is inspired by the memory of Albert Pick III for his love of the students of CYSO and passionate commitment of service to his community.
NICOLE WEIRUI TONG
Nicole Weirui Tong is a senior at Naperville North High School. She has been a member of CYSO for seven seasons and is currently co-concertmaster in Symphony Orchestra. Nicole was also involved in CYSO’s Chamber Music program and performed live on WFMT’s “Introductions.” She enjoys writing and interviewing as a member of the CYSO Social Media Team.
LUMINARTS PERFORMANCE AWARDS
The $1,000 Luminarts Performance Award is given to CYSO juniors and/or seniors to support further musical study in pursuit of a professional career in music performance. The criteria for award consideration include musical excellence and leadership, active participation and loyalty to CYSO, and plans to pursue a professional career in music performance. These awards generously sponsored by the Luminarts Cultural Foundation.
AMANDA PEREZ
Amanda Perez is 18 years old and a senior at William Fremd High School. She has played viola for five years and been a member of Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras for the past two years. Amanda has participated ILMEA, the Sphinx Performance Academy, and was recently selected as an inaugural fellow in the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative. Her primary teachers include Helen Callus and Anthony Devroye. In the fall she will continue her studies at Northern Illinois University as a viola performance major.
MILES RICHEY
Miles Richey is from Chicago and attends Northside College Prep in Albany Park. He plays piano in CYSO’s Jazz Orchestra and with Merit School of Music, as well as electric bass and keys in two rock bands. Next year, Miles plans to study jazz piano at DePaul University.
MUSIC DIRECTOR’S AWARD
The Music Director’s Award is presented to a student who has gone above and beyond in their dedication to music and leadership within their ensemble. The recipient is personally selected by Maestro Allen Tinkham.
MILES TEAGUE
Miles Teague began piano lessons at the age of six and immediately fell in love with music. When offered the opportunity to choose a wind instrument in fifth grade he chose the horn, and was instantaneously hooked.
Miles is a three-time member of the ILMEA All-State Honors Orchestra, serving as principal horn in 2020. In 2017 he was named principal horn of the Illinois All-State Musical production Sweeney Todd. He has performed with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras for five years and currently serves as co-principal horn of the Symphony Orchestra and CORE Chamber Orchestra. At Downers Grove North High School, Miles is the principal horn of the Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. He plays piano in the Jazz Ensemble and served as a Drum Major and Head Conductor of the Marching Band. Miles will pursue a Bachelor of Music in horn performance degree at the Eastman School of Music and aspires to share his passion for music professionally.
