Education

Katy ISD Music Ensembles Recognized as National Winners in Mark of Excellence Awards

October 06 2022

Eleven Katy ISD music ensembles were recently recognized as national winners in the Foundation for Music Education Mark of Excellence Competition. This year, the national event received 376 entries from 39 states. The Mark of Excellence project seeks to recognize and award outstanding achievements in performance by high school and middle/junior high band, choirs and orchestras.

Beckendorff Junior High Honor Orchestra

“The Mark of Excellence Award creates a unique competitive environment that allows ensembles to compare their performance quality to other outstanding groups from across the country,” said Damon Archer, Executive Director of Fine Arts. “To have 11 national ensemble winners, plus four state winners, is a reflection of the high level of teaching and learning taking place within these programs, as well as the commitment and support of these programs by their campus and school community,” added Archer.

Seven Lakes Junior High Chamber Orchestra

The following choir and orchestra groups were recognized as national winners:

Mark of Excellence National Winners:

Music Ensemble	Director
Beck Junior High Honor Orchestra	Barbara Nelsen
Beckendorff Junior High Honor Orchestra	Amy Williams
Cinco Ranch High School Sinfonia Orchestra	Brett Nelsen & Oscar Vela
Seven Lakes Junior High Chamber Orchestra	Jennifer Gingell and Bethany Hagin
Seven Lakes High School Sinfonia Orchestra	Desiree Overree
Seven Lakes High School Symphony Orchestra	Desiree Overree, John Mays and Sean Carlton
Jordan High School Symphonic Band	Daniel Galloway

Mark of Excellence Commended National Winners:

Music Ensemble	Director
Adams Junior High Honor Band	Darlene Blose
Cinco Ranch Junior High Symphony Orchestra	Laura Vu & Barbara Jones
Taylor High School Chamber Orchestra	Clinton Capshaw
WoodCreek Junior High Chamber Orchestra	Klayton Hoefler
WoodCreek Junior High Honor Band	Bobby Guess

Additionally, the Citation of Excellence project seeks to recognize and award outstanding achievement in performance by non-varsity high school and middle/junior high choir, bands and orchestras.

Seven Lakes High School Sinfonia Orchestra

The following groups were recognized as Citation of Excellence State Winners:

Music Ensemble	Director
Adams Junior High Symphonic Band	Randallyn Holdford
Seven Lakes Junior High Sinfonietta	Bethany Hagin and Jennifer Gingell
Seven Lakes High School Cambiata Orchestra	Desiree Overree
Seven Lakes High School Lyrica Orchestra	Sean Carlton

« BACK TO NEWS

Katy ISD Music Ensembles Recognized as National Winners in Mark of Excellence Awards

UPCOMING EVENTS NEAR YOU

RECENT NEWS

Who is My Neighborhood News?

Select Your Region/Community