Several Round Rock ISD fine arts ensembles have been recognized among the nation’s best through the 2025 Mark of Excellence and Citation of Excellence projects, programs designed to honor outstanding achievement in performance by school bands, choirs, and orchestras across the United States.
The Mark of Excellence project, sponsored by the Foundation for Music Education, gathers entries from schools nationwide and provides valuable feedback from adjudicators in accordance with their performance quality versus other entries. The top 25% of entrants are named National Winners, while the next 25% earn Commended Winner honors.
National Winners from Round Rock ISD include:
Grisham Middle School Honors Band
Pearson Ranch Middle School Wind Ensemble
Canyon Vista Middle School Honors Orchestra
Round Rock High School Philharmonic Full Orchestra
Commended Winners include:
Cedar Valley Middle School Honors Band
Deerpark Middle School Wind Symphony
Canyon Vista Middle School Symphony Orchestra
Pearson Ranch Middle School Honors Orchestra
McNeil High School Chamber Singers
Additionally, several Round Rock ISD ensembles received honors in the Citation of Excellence project, which recognizes outstanding achievement among non-varsity bands and orchestras.
Citation of Excellence honorees include:
Canyon Vista Middle School Select Band
Grisham Middle School Symphonic Band
Hopewell Middle School Symphonic Band
Round Rock High School Philharmonic Full Orchestra
Pearson Ranch Middle School Honor Band
Through the Mark of Excellence and Citation of Excellence projects, ensembles receive adjudicator critiques and compilation recordings of top performances, enabling educators and students to continue refining their musical artistry and celebrating quality literature in music education.
“These achievements highlight the passion and teamwork that define fine arts in Round Rock ISD,” said Jager Loyde, Round Rock ISD Director of Fine Arts - Music. “We’re proud to see our band, choir, and orchestra ensembles recognized among the best in the nation, affirming our commitment to musical excellence.”