Naira Yusufova Award for Leadership and Excellence

A Pennant Hills Public School student in year six is awarded the Naira Yusufova Award each year at the Celebration of Learning Awards ceremony. This award is named for the founder of the String Ensemble – renowned local string player and teacher, Naira Yusufova.

The award is given to a year six student who shows qualities of leadership, commitment and overall excellence throughout the year in the String Ensemble and Festival String groups. All year six students who play in the String Ensemble are eligible for the award and each year the Ensemble Director decides the recipient.

Students are assessed by the following criteria/ behaviour throughout the year to determine who should be awarded the Naira Yusufova Award.

Rehearsals and performances

The student:

  • arrives on time for rehearsals and performances and lets the Conductor know
    (where possible) when they are going to be away.
  • sets up their instrument quickly and quietly.
  • helps where needed to set up/put away chairs and music stands.
  • comes prepared with music and pencil.
  • pays attention and is engaged during rehearsal and is not disruptive.

Preparation

The student:

  • practices the music and improves since last rehearsal.
  • prepares for any upcoming performances.
  • puts in effort to improve musically throughout the year.

Mentoring/leadership

The student:

  • takes the initiative to mentor other students or accepts requests to mentor.
  • helps the younger or newer students in rehearsals and performances
  • acts as a role model during both rehearsals and performances.

The Director also considers factors such as:

  • commitment to both the String Ensemble and Festival String group,
  • overall level of musical excellence,
  • level of engagement with the group(s), and
  • any actions or behaviour a student may display through the year that could be
    considered remarkable or outstanding.

The purpose of this award is to:

  • acknowledge overall leadership and musical excellence
  • engender behaviours and willingness to step up and be role models to younger players
  • improve the overall quality of the String Ensemble experience and
  • help set a high standard for towards which all students in the group can strive.