Frisco ISD is home to two state champions in middle school band and orchestra.
The Clark Middle School Symphonic Band is the 2014 Texas Middle School 2C Honor Band, while the Fowler Middle School Advanced Symphonic Orchestra is the 2014 Texas Middle School Honor Orchestra.
It is the first time two groups from Frisco ISD have been honored by the Texas Music Educators Association in the same year. They are the highest honors that a middle school band or orchestra can achieve in the state of Texas.
“To have one honor group is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Frisco ISD Fine Arts Director Jim McDaniel. “But to have two in one year is truly remarkable. It is a credit to the great teaching of these directors each and every day. I could not be more proud of them and their programs.”
The recognitions were announced in San Antonio during separate conventions held by the Texas Bandmasters Association and Texas Orchestra Directors Association.
It is the first time that a Frisco ISD middle or high school band has won this prestigious award.
Last year, the full Fowler Symphony Orchestra, including members of the symphonic band and symphonic orchestra, were honored as the 2013 Texas Middle School Honor Full Orchestra.
“It is extremely exciting for the orchestra students to be named state winners twice in a row,” said Fowler Orchestra Director Karina Lindsey. “It is a clear result of many hours of individual practice, hard work in the classroom, dedication to private lessons and supportive parents and administration.”
Both groups were selected by a panel of judges through a blind peer review of concert recordings submitted from across the state. They defeated hundreds of other middle schools in their division by unanimous decision.
“We are thrilled with this achievement," said Clark Band Director Ben Katz. "The students have worked tirelessly since late December, practicing countless extra hours on their own, putting unparalleled focus on three pieces of music in order to achieve this level of musicianship. We are so thankful to have the honor of working with such amazing students, parents, staff and administrators. We are humbled with this award and so grateful for everyone involved.”
Both the Clark Symphonic Band and Fowler Advanced Symphonic Orchestra will play in February 2014 at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in San Antonio.