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.
“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.
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 and Oscar Vera |
| 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. 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 |
Beck Junior High Honor Orchestra
Beckendorff Junior High Honor Orchestra
Cinco Ranch High School Sinfonia Orchestra
Seven Lakes Junior High Chamber Orchestra
Seven Lakes High School Sinfonia Orchestra
Seven Lakes High School Symphony Orchestra
Jordan High School Symphonic Band
