October 23, 2017 – Katy ISD has six winners in the Foundation for Music Education Mark of Excellence Competition. This national event brings together 278 ensembles from 38 different states. The following choir and orchestra groups were recognized as national winners:
- Seven Lakes High School Symphony Orchestra,directed by Desiree Overree, National Orchestra Honors project.
- Seven Lakes High School Sinfonia Orchestra,directed by Desiree Overree, National Orchestra Honors project.
- Taylor High School Chamber Orchestra, directed by Clinton Capshaw, National Orchestra Honors project.
- Beckendorff Junior High Honor Orchestra, directed by Karel Butz, National Orchestra Honors project.
- Seven Lakes Junior High Honors Orchestra,directed by Ragan Whatley, Commended Winner in the National Orchestra Honors project.
- Seven Lakes Junior High Varsity Treble Choir,directed by Kristin Likos, National Choral Honors project.
“The Mark of Excellence Award is one of the few nationally recognized competitions that represents band, orchestra and choir at the secondary level,” said Michael Ouellette, Executive Director of Fine Arts. “The six performing groups from Katy ISD receiving this award are a representation of a district that values a high standard of arts education for all students.”