Kebra Charles has won the Bob Novack Music Scholarship at Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center. “Kebra is a well-rounded, passionate musician who participates in Orchestra, the South Florida Youth Symphony, and further serves his community by assisting beginning music students with their playing,” said Nicolas Repetto, RKBBH Music Educator. “His sense of professionalism and musicianship has garnered the budding young bassist top-notch experience by performing with professional musicians in several venues within Miami-Dade County.” Mr. Repetto envisions Kebra having a bright future as a professional bassist.

Brandon Ridley, graduating from Nautilus Middle School, has also been selected as a winner of the established honor popularly known as “The Bob Novack Music Awards”. Brandon plays drums on the school’s Jazz Band and Concert Band and has been a mainstay of the program for the last two years. Nautilus Music Director Ray Modia says that “Brandon has demonstrated excellence in his talent, attitude and achievements, and has been a great credit to the school and community”.

Each year the Bob Novack Music Award is presented at both Nautilus Middle School and Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 School to outstanding music students chosen by the schools’ music departments. The award is given in memory of the late Bob Novack, a life-long musician, band leader and music educator. Mr. Novack performed with famous bands throughout the United States including the Glenn Miller Band, and he led the Bob Novack Orchestras in South Florida for four decades. He inspired 1308 Productions and efforts to support music education and the youth music scene

The awards are presented by his son, Paul Novack, former Mayor of Surfside. A list of the winners is posted on line at 1308’s web site. See the Archives. “1308 Productions is a fantastic asset to the South Florida community and to the music education programs at public schools,” said legendary music teacher Doug Burris, who is retiring this year at Miami Beach Senior High School.

Learn more about the “Bob Novack Music Awards” and see the list of previous winners here.