STOMP Awards

STOMP Awards are granted to James Hubert Blake High School instrumental music students

1. with high musical potential and limited financial resources;
2. for assistance such as repair or purchase of instruments, music lessons, summer music camp, etc.;
3. with the intent of advancing such students’ musical talents and aspirations; and
4. upon recommendation of Blake instrumental music faculty and at the discretion of the Ethan Shinn Miller STOMP, Inc.’s awards committee.

The awards are given during each school year as funds allow and awardees are recognized at Blake Music’s annual awards night.

This award honors the legacy of Ethan Shinn Miller who was a Blake High School student, Class of 2017. Ethan viewed his participation as a trumpet player in the Jazz and Symphonic Bands as an extension of his family life, and music was one of the passions he considered pursuing at college. A journal entry revealed the degree to which he saw people as family: “Family is extremely important to me. They're the people that will always be there for you. Without family, love would deteriorate. With family, you are never alone...I treat people as if they were my family, meaning I extend family beyond biological grounds...I will always do things in the best means for my family. Family comes first...always...” He believed that all people, no matter their gender, race, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or religious affiliation should have equal access to life’s opportunities. It is his deep love of people and music that gave birth to the idea for the STOMP Awards – So That Others May Play.

Previous awards have been given in support of:

• Montgomery County All-County Orchestra Fees
• Private Trumpet Lessons
• JAM Camp Tuition
• Blake Marching Band Enrollment