Alumni

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

Richard Adams ’61
Retired MSM Vice President/ Dean of Faculty

Clement De Rosa ’55 
Jazz Educator, Bandleader and Founder of IAJE

SungEun Han-Andersen ’89 
Donor, G. Chris and SungEun Andersen Hall

Aaron Jay Kernis ’81
Pulitzer Prize-winning Composer

George Manahan ’76
Conductor

“Outstanding Young Alumni” Award
Jane Monheit ’99 
Jazz Vocalist

Previous Distinguished Alumni Awards were given to Gunther Schuller (composer, educator, and conductor) in 1985 and Dr. Walter Turnbull (founder of the Boys Choir of Harlem) in 1990.

Each year at our commencement ceremonies in May, a select group of students receive special awards for their character, talent, and participation. Many of these awards were established by friends and alumni to honor the memory of important figures in the history of Manhattan School of Music.

The annual College and Alumni Awards include:

Harold Bauer Award
Established by Janet D. Schenck, founder of Manhattan School of Music, to honor her teacher, pianist Harold Bauer, who was instrumental in the development of the School. This award is given to a graduating student in recognition of outstanding accomplishment, cooperation, and promise.

William H. Borden Award 
Given in memory of Mr. Borden, who was a trustee of Manhattan School of Music for thirty years, ten of which he served as chairman of the board. His greatest affinity was for jazz, and therefore this award is given for outstanding accomplishment in that discipline.

Pablo Casals Award
Created in honor of Maestro Casals, who served as an early member of the Advisory Board of Manhattan School of Music. The award is given for musical accomplishment
and human endeavor.

Helen Cohn Awards
Created by the friends of Mrs. Cohn to honor her memory and her devotion to the piano. There are two awards—the first is given to a pianist who has done outstanding work in chamber music, and the second is given to an outstanding graduate of the doctor of musical arts degree program.

Richard F. Gold Career Grant 
Given by the Shoshana Foundation to recognize a graduating student who demonstrates exceptional promise for a career on the operatic stage.

Hugo Kortschak Award
Given for outstanding achievement in chamber music.

Kraeuter Musical Foundation Award
Given to a student who has excelled in ensemble work.

Bronson Ragan Award
Honors the memory of a former Manhattan School of Music faculty member who taught both organ and theory. The award goes to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding ability in organ performance.

Roy M. Rubinstein Award 
Given to a young woman who demonstrates exceptional promise in piano performance.

Raphael Bronstein Award 
Established by friends to honor the memory of this beloved faculty member, this award is given to an outstanding violinist who demonstrates great promise as a performer, and in whom can also be seen a dedication to carrying on the pedagogical devotion so exemplified by Professor Bronstein.

John Clark Award 
Given for excellence in brass performance. John Clark was an alumnus of Manhattan School of Music and a faculty member for over forty years. This award was established in his memory through gifts from his family and friends.

Cecil Collins Award 
Created by Manhattan School of Music alumni to honor the memory of Mr. Collins, a former faculty member and chairman of the brass department, for excellence in brass performance.

Nicolas Flagello Award 
Given annually to a student for outstanding achievement as a composer. Established by family, friends, and colleagues to honor the memory of Mr. Flagello, a former faculty member and esteemed composer.

Homer Mensch Award
Celebrates the life of a remarkable gentleman, an exceptional musician and a devoted teacher. He touched our hearts and will always serve as an inspiration to all. Given to a double bass student who exemplifies the spirit of Homer Mensch.

Hugh Ross Award 
Given annually to a singer of unusual promise.

Janet D. Schenck Award
Honors the woman who, in 1917–18, founded the School that grew to become Manhattan School of Music, one of the largest and most prestigious private conservatories in the United States. This award, bestowed in Mrs. Schenck’s memory, is in recognition of distinguished contribution to the life of the School.

Josephine C. Whitford Award 
Honors Mrs. Whitford, who was for many years a dean of Manhattan School of Music, and is given to a student whose exceptional personal qualities have contributed significantly to the enrichment of the spirit of the School.

Outreach Commencement Award 
The recipient of this award has demonstrated outstanding leadership, an exemplary humanitarian spirit, and comprehensive involvement in the Manhattan School of Music outreach programs.