COPPERAS COVE – One of Copperas Cove’s bands has earned national recognition.
The S.C. Lee Jr. High Wind Ensemble was recently named a Commended Winner in the Foundation for Music Education’s Mark of Excellence competition.
This competition received 478 entries across all classification from 40 states and this award places the S.C. Lee group within the top half of bands in its classification of students with more than 600 students in grades 7 & 8.
“This award is just the cherry on top of a successful year,” said S.C. Lee Director of Bands Kenneth Marina. “Our band had the most students earn a spot in the All-Region Band and was the only school to receive unanimous Superior Ratings from every judge at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading. The standard we are setting is building a strong foundation for the Pride of Cove. It has truly been the honor of my career to be even a small part of their success.”
This award recognizes the band for its work in the 2024-25 school year. In that year, 42 students from S.C. Lee earned a spot in the All-Region Band and every ensemble in CCISD earned a Superior Rating at UIL Concert Evaluation & Sight-Reading Contest, with Lee’s Wind Ensemble earning straight “1” ratings.
“S.C. Lee’s recognition with this award is a true testament to the dedication and excellence of our directors and students,” said CCISD Director of Fine Arts Megan Kenobbie. “We are incredibly proud of their hard work and know they are more than deserving of this honor. Our students continue to amaze us, guided by directors who pour their passion into building a strong, successful program. The future of the Pride of Cove is brighter than ever!”
The Mark of Excellence competition recognizes middle school and high school music ensembles across the nation for achieving the highest standards of performance.