TENACITY IN TUNE AWARD

The Syracuse Orchestra announces the third annual Tenacity in Tune Award presented by Drakos Urgent Care, a unique partnership aimed at recognizing the perseverance and dedication of young high school musicians in Central New York.

This award was created to honor a high school musician (grades 9-12) who is passionate and committed to becoming the best musician they can be. This person is always willing to put in the extra work, do the extra practicing, and ask for the extra help to take their playing to the next level. This year, up to 4 additional students will be honored.

In addition to a $2500 scholarship provided by Drakos Urgent Care, the Tenacity in Tune winner will receive a VIP Syracuse Orchestra Experience at a 2026 Syracuse Orchestra Concert that includes:

  • Exclusive backstage and onstage access during a Syracuse Orchestra rehearsal
  • Meeting a Syracuse Orchestra musician who plays the same instrument
  • Meeting a Syracuse Orchestra conductor
  • Meeting Syracuse Orchestra operations staff for behind-the-scenes access
  • Two tickets to the chosen concert 

Details of the Tenacity in Tune Award:

  • Eligibility: Music students in grades 9 through 12 from any school in Onondaga, Oswego, Oneida, Jefferson, Lewis, Cortland, Cayuga, or Madison County. Past Tenacity in Tune Award Winners are not eligible, although runners-up may reapply.
  • Nominations: Anyone, including parents, teachers, friends, or the students themselves, is encouraged to make a nomination.
  • Nomination Process: The nomination form will collect basic information about the student and provide an opportunity for the nominator to share in their own words why the nominated student deserves the award.
  • Deadline: Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
  • Winner Announcement: The finalists will be notified by Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and the winners will be announced on stage at The Syracuse Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert on Sunday, December 21 at 2:00 PM. All finalists will receive 2 tickets to the 12/21 concert.

This award is presented by Drakos Urgent Care. Drakos Dynamics operates three locally female-owned after-hours urgent care clinics. Drakos Pediatric Urgent Care in Liverpool, the first pediatric urgent care in the Syracuse area, has been serving the healthcare needs of children since May 2023. With a second location in Cicero and a third now open in Camillus, Drakos is positioned to serve the broader healthcare needs of the community by providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages. For information about all Drakos services in CNY, visit https://www.drakosurgentcare.com.