Milwaukee City Wire

Three students from the Milwaukee High School of the Arts Vocal Jazz Ensemble have been honored in one of the nation's most prestigious student competitions, DownBeat Magazine’s Student Music Awards. The three seniors, their respective awards, categories, and winning songs are as follows: Akira Harris, winner in the blues/pop/rock soloist category with “Ain’t No Sunshine,” by Bill Withers, and “All I Ask,” by Adele; Lily Elon Edmond, recipient of an outstanding performance award in the blues/pop/rock soloist category with “What Was I Made for,” by Billie Eilish, and “Before I Let Go,” by Frankie Beverly; Dystince Robertson, also awarded for outstanding performance as a vocal jazz soloist with “There Will Never Be Another You,” by Harry Warren, and “Good Morning Heartache,” by Irene Higginbotham.

In the past academic year, Akira Harris was among the winners of the YoungArts awards in the popular voice category. Dystince Robertson became the inaugural winner of the national Ravenscroft Jazz Prize for developing musicians aged 17 to 19. The MHSA Vocal Jazz Ensemble comprises advanced students enrolled in the school's vocal music program.

The DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards are globally recognized as top-tier student music competitions. They offer categories for junior high, high school, and university music students and bands. The judges — all professional musicians and educators — assess entrants based on musicianship, creativity, improvisation, technique, sound quality and balance, excitement, and authority. These criteria mirror those used in the magazine’s album reviews.

The awards were announced in DownBeat Magazine's June issue released on May 9. This year marks the 47th annual Student Music Awards hosted by DownBeat Magazine since its inception in 1934. This is also notable as it is the twelfth time since 2014 that members of the MHSA Vocal Jazz Ensemble have been recognized by this prestigious organization. While MHSA had double winners in 2017 and 2021, this is the first time three students from MHSA have won in a single year.

Raymond Roberts, vocal music director at MHSA, expressed his pride in the students' achievements. "It is so thrilling to see our Milwaukee Public Schools students’ names listed along with the best and brightest young musicians on the planet," he said. "Keep your eye on these brilliant young singers. They will continue to share their artistic excellence in ways that beautify and enrich our city for generations to come.”

Milwaukee High School of the Arts provides its students with an opportunity to select an arts-focused major such as creative writing, dance, theater, music, or visual art. Students commit to one area of the arts for all four years at the school while also engaging in an academically challenging educational program that includes Advanced Placement and honors courses.