The Fort Worth ISD celebrates the Paschal Jazz Ensemble for being selected as a 2022 “Mark of Excellence” National Winner for the Foundation for Music Education’s National Jazz Honors Project.
The Mark of Excellence project seeks to recognize and award outstanding achievement in performance by high school and middle school bands, choirs and orchestras.
“We were overjoyed upon hearing the terrific news, and it is already giving us fantastic momentum and energy as we begin our new school year,” said Paschal High School Jazz Director & Associate Band Director Matt Sawyer. “I am so proud of last year’s group, and it is a joy listening back and reliving the musical moments they achieved.”
The Paschal Jazz Ensemble’s submission was one of many throughout the United States, representing the best programs. A blind panel of nationally renowned directors anonymously judged the entries. The top 25% of entrants are recognized as National Winners in regional-national publications and conventions. Most importantly, each participating band will receive valuable feedback from the adjudicator.
“This project is special for many reasons, but the one that sticks out is educational. We receive excellent, specific and direct feedback that not only recognizes the students’ hard work but brings more detail to our eyes on where we can really improve our product as we move forward,” added Sawyer.
Click here for a complete 2022 Mark of Excellence National Winners list.