KATY ISD MUSIC ENSEMBLES

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

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 bands, 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: Director Desiree Overree with the Seven Lakes High School Sinfonia Orchestra.

Mark of Excellence National Winners:

• Beck Junior High Honor Orchestra

Barbara Nelsen, Director

• Beckendorff Junior High Honor Orchestra

Amy Williams, Director

• Seven Lakes Junior High Chamber Orchestra Jennifer Gingell and Bethany Hagin, Directors

• Seven Lakes High School Sinfonia Orchestra

Desiree Overree, Director

• Seven Lakes High School Symphony Orchestra

Desiree Overree, John Mays and Sean Carlton,

Directors

• Jordan High School Symphonic Band

Daniel Galloway, Director Mark of Excellence Commended National Winners:

• Adams Junior High Honor Band

Darlene Blose, Director

• Cinco Ranch Junior High Symphony Orchestra

Laura Vu and Barbara Jones, Directors

• Taylor High School Chamber Orchestra

Clinton Capshaw, Director

• WoodCreek Junior High Chamber Orchestra

Klayton Hoefler, Director

• WoodCreek Junior High Honor Band

Bobby Guess, Director

Additionally, the Citation of Excellence project seeks to recognize and award outstanding achievement in performance by non-varsity high school and middle/junior high choirs, bands and orchestras. The following groups were recognized as Citation of Excellence State Winners.

• Adams Junior High Symphonic Band

Randallyn Holdford, Director

• Seven Lakes Junior High Sinfonietta

Bethany Hagin and Jennifer Gingell, Directors

• Seven Lakes High School Cambiata Orchestra

Desiree Overree, Director

• Seven Lakes High School Lyrica Orchestra

Sean Carlton, Director