UM honors Ford, Swilley for outstanding graduate achievement in music

The University of Mississippi congratulates students who received awards at the 2021 Music Honors Convocation. Local award-winners include:

John-Peter Ford, of New Albany, MS, received the Award for Outstanding Graduate Achievement in Musicology from the University of Mississippi Department of Music.

The Musicology Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated a particular aptitude for the study of music in its larger historical and cultural contexts. Ford also received the Pi Kappa Lambda Take Flight Award, which is presented by the Eta Nu chapter of PKL and comes with a cash prize to support a summer project in music. Take Flight projects are proposed and developed by the student, and may be research-oriented or community-based, or may involve a special performance or study opportunity.

Lilly Swilley, of New Albany, MS, received the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Vocal Music Education from the University of Mississippi Department of Music.

Music Education Awards are presented to students who demonstrate high academic achievement and leadership. These students consistently exhibit superior work in class projects and in their own research. They also take initiative in pursuing learning beyond the classroom and show great potential for becoming excellent teachers and leaders in the profession. Swilley was also inducted into the Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Society, which is a national music honor society that recognizes and encourges the highest level of musical achievement and academic scholarship, and honors persons who have enhanced their talents by serious, diligent, and intelligent study.

“Department of Music awards celebrate outstanding student achievement in performance, academics, ensemble musicianship and other areas of the UM Music student experience,” said Nancy Maria Balach, professor of music and chair of the department.

“We’re proud of the accomplishments of this year’s award-winners, and we’re grateful for their contributions to our vibrant department,” she said.

The University of Mississippi Department of Music trains future performers, music educators, and academics, and prepares them for careers in many different areas of the music profession.