The Puyallup Valley Community Band introduced a student award in 2009. This award recognizes exceptional high school musicians (woodwind, brass, or percussion). In 2024, the band designated this award as the Richard Powers Music Student Award in honor of Richard Powers, a long-time conductor of the Band.
The 2025 recipients received an award of $1,000 and the opportunity to perform as a featured soloist with the band during our May 9, 2025 Spring Concert.
This year, the band was pleased to announced two recipients of this award:
McKenna Sue Liedes – Euphonium
McKenna is a senior at Emerald Ridge High School. Her future plans including pursuing a degree in music or biology at either University of Arizona or University of Idaho. Her ultimate ambition is to share her passion for music by touring the world with the U.S. Air Force Band.
Alexander Pitruzzella – Bass Trombone
Alexander is a junior at Bonney Lake High School. His future plans including joining the U.S. National Guard Army Band, pursuing an undergraduate degree at Central WA University, and graduate degrees at Julliard or another prestigious institute. After his studies, he would like to obtain a professional orchestral position as a bass trombonist.
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The Richard Powers Student Award is made possible through donations from our band supporters. Please consider donating!