Fox Chapel Area's Xavier Perry wins Belle Voci music award

A passion for music — and his ability to bring joy to others through it — has earned Fox Chapel Area senior Xavier Perry the 2021 Jeffrey Dean Memorial Award from Fox Chapel-based women’s choir Belle Voci.

“I am so honored,” Perry, 18, said. “It means a great deal to be receiving this award and carrying its legacy.”

In its 14th year, the accolade is bestowed on a Fox Chapel Area senior who exhibits leadership and drive in the musical world.

The award is in memory of a 1980 district graduate who found joy in musical performance and strove to show others the same.

Perry, of Aspinwall, has participated in the school choir and musicals each of his four years in high school, as well as enrolling in AP Music Theory and Piano during his senior year.

He’s been selected for the prestigious Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) district and regional performances.

“Music will always find its way into my life,” Perry said. “One of my biggest goals in life is to be an advocate for black artists and to show students like myself that singing is a powerful force.

“Not just singing, but being creative and innovative, bringing all of one’s soul to the work and the world with unique perspectives and being a leader by example by using my talents to shape my surroundings for the better.”

Perry will attend the University of Michigan for vocal performance in the fall.

Presented his award on May 17 by Belle Voci outgoing board chairwoman and University of Pittsburgh adjunct instructor Kenda Hammer, Perry was touted for his “fantastic relationships with all three music directors and the collaboration skills learned from performing side by side with fellow classmates.”

Perry has performed during his high school career with the concert choir, men’s ensemble and the madrigal singers.

“As with the certainty and example of Jeffrey Dean’s character and commitments, Xavier is also recognized as one who strives to exhibit leadership, both officially and by example, and demonstrate passion for musical performance,” Hammer said.

“I have announced the Jeffrey Dean Memorial Award recipient consecutively for the past six years. This interactive experience has touched my life,” she said. “Students annually impress us with their remarkable poise and talents. This year is no different.”

Perry will receive a $2,000 grant from the Jeffrey Dean Award to use toward college.

He was also selected to perform in the annual Jeffrey Dean Memorial Recital, a performance that showcases the talents of music students at Fox Chapel Area High School.

“I know as I venture to college and beyond, my number one superpower I have is my ability to show up as my full self,” Perry said. “I feel so utterly prepared to represent the legacy of Fox Chapel Area and the legacy of Jeffrey Dean.”