Bands earn marks of excellence from Foundation of Music Education

Sept. 25, 2012—Three high school bands and three middle school bands have been selected as Mark of Excellence winners by the Foundation of Music Education.

The nationwide competition prompts musical groups to submit recordings, which are then rated by professional and collegiate judges.

CFISD’s Mark of Excellence national winners are:

• the Cypress Ranch High School symphonic band, under the direction of Russell Holcombe, in the New Music category;

• the Cypress Woods High School full symphony orchestra, under the direction of Vicki Campion and Mickey Vasquez;

• the Salyards Middle School chamber orchestra, under the direction of Glynnes Lanthier; and

• the Cook Middle School percussion ensemble, under the direction of Michael Dick.

CFISD’s Mark of Excellence commended winners are:

• the Langham Creek High School band, under the direction of Gloria Ramirez; and

• the Cook Middle School symphonic band, under the direction of Michael Dick.

“It is a tribute to the directors and the students that we have so many groups recognized at the national level by the Mark of Excellence project,” said Larry Matysiak, CFISD director of fine arts. “It also speaks well of our community that the arts are highly valued in our district.”