Choice Music Events' first annual Mark of Excellence Contest was an outstanding success due to the participation of many fine high school and middle school bands, jazz bands, and orchestras across the nation. The Mark of Excellence recorded music contest offers bands, choirs, and orchestras the unprecedented opportunity to earn national recognition for their musical achievement while creating a unique, competitive environment that allows ensembles to compare their performance quality to that of other outstanding groups from across the country.

The 2006 Mark of Excellence results include both ratings and placement in class. Ensembles that reach the final round of evaluation are selected as National Finalist. One ensemble in each classification of National Finalist participants will be selected as the Overall Outstanding In Class.

The 2006 Mark of Excellence National Finalist ensembles include: Ereckson Middle School Honor Band directed by Ann Peace, Indian Springs Middle School Wind Ensemble directed by David Puckett, Allen High School Wind Ensemble directed by Anthony Gibson, Clements High School Symphonic Band directed by Larry Matysiak, and Conroe High School Wind Ensemble directed by Bobby W. Heathcock.

The 2006 Mark of Excellence Outstanding Ensembles include: Space Center Intermediate School Symphonic Band directed by Donald McCandless, Allen High School Full Orchestra directed by David DeVoto, Woodlake Hills Middle School Jazz Ensemble directed by Penny Compton, Spring High School Symphonic Band directed by Gabe Musella and Poteet High School Varsity String Orchestra directed by Vernon Lewis.

Choice Music Events' Board of Trustees President Jon Locke stated, “Although the participation in the first year of any event is never as high as we would hope, the recordings that were submitted this year were all very respectable. After speaking with the evaluators that listened and commented on the submissions – I was glad to hear how much they enjoyed what the directors and their programs were able to perform last year.”

The Mark of Excellence participants are also given the opportunity, at the adjudicators' discretion, to have their submitted selections included in the Mark of Excellence recording series. This collection of reference recordings will be available for sale to the public in the near future. The proceeds from the Mark of Excellence series will be contributed to the Director's Choice Foundation For Music Education, which provides college scholarships for music education majors.
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