Music faculty at local public schools select their most outstanding, talented and dedicated students each year and 1308 Productions presents each one with the Bob Novack Music Award and a scholarship check to recognize them and inspire their continued achievement. There are three student winners for 2014 at Nautilus Middle School and RKB Bay Harbor K-8 Center.

Najura Hanchard and Matteus Cobo, two high achieving and motivated students, were selected this year for the Bob Novack Music Awards and Scholarships at Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center. “

“Najura serves as First Cellist in the RKB Bay Harbor String Orchestra, and she has also performed with the Advanced Bobcat Guitar Ensemble,” said Onil Rodriguez, RKBBH Music Educator. “She has been a cello soloist on many occasions, and has also been a member of the Advanced Bobcat Guitar Ensemble, he added.   Najura has also performed with the South Florida Youth Symphony and the New World Youth Symphony Concert.

Matteus Cobo plays double bass in the String Orchestra, and is an avid guitarist.  “Matteus has performed numerous times with the Advanced Bobcat Guitar Ensemble and at many events in the school and community,” said Mr. Rodriguez.  Matteus played lead guitar in a rock performance of classical music during the school awards assembly and ceremonies that were held at the Beach High Auditorium.

Mahitte Kaisaal, graduating from Nautilus Middle School, has also been selected as a winner of the established honor that has boosted many students into successful music endeavors and careers.  “Mahitte was chosen for the Bob Novack Music Award because she is an extremely talented musician who has been an important part of the Nautilus Jazz and Guitar Ensemble for two years,” said Nautilus music educator Ray Modia.  “Mahitte has also won many piano competitions and done many recitals in the community,” he added.  Mahitte, an active and involved student, served as president of the Nautilus Student Council.

All three award winners were congratulated by their teachers, and by former mayor Paul Novack, son of the late Bob Novack, after whom the awards are named.  The winners were applauded by their families, friends, and community officials.

Each year the Bob Novack Music Awards are presented at both Nautilus Middle School and Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 School. 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.

Congratulations to this year’s winners, now added to an amazing list of honorees:  check out the Winners of the “Bob Novack Music Awards” 

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Nautilus Music Teacher Ray Modia and 2014 Winner Mahitte Kaisaal

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Ensemble Performance at RKB Bay Harbor Graduation Ceremonies, Onil Rodriguez conducting. 2014 Winners Matteus Cobo on guitar and Najumba Hanchard on cello.