Edcouch-Elsa ISD Bands Receive National Recognition in Mark of Excellence and Citation of Excellence Competitions
Elsa, TX – September 16, 2024 – Edcouch-Elsa ISD is proud to announce that two of its outstanding bands, the Carlos F. Truan Concert Band and the Carlos F. Truan Symphonic Band, have been recognized with national honors in prestigious music competitions sponsored by The Foundation of Music Education.
Under the skilled direction of Ms. Alma A. Arellano, the Carlos F. Truan Concert Band has been named a 2024 Citation of Excellence "Commended Winner" in Band Class A. This exclusive competition is open to non-varsity bands that achieved a Sweepstakes Award at the 2024 UIL Band Evaluation. The Citation of Excellence project received 131 entries across various classifications, highlighting the impressive achievement of the Concert Band.
Additionally, the Carlos F. Truan Symphonic Band, also led by Ms. Alma A. Arellano, has earned recognition as a 2024 Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors "Commended Winner" in Band Class A. This prestigious award is reserved for varsity bands that earned a Sweepstakes at the 2024 UIL Band Evaluation. With 450 entries from 40 states across all classifications, the national recognition of the Symphonic Band's accomplishment is a testament to their dedication and musical excellence.
The Mark of Excellence project seeks to recognize and award outstanding achievement in performance by high school and middle school bands. The project will gather entries from throughout the United States and provide valuable feedback for all entrants. A unique competitive environment is created which allows ensembles to compare their performance quality to other outstanding groups from across the country.
In order to receive invitations to these competitions, the bands had to achieve a 1st division rating at the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation, showcasing their mastery of performance and musicianship. Receiving an invitation to enter both the Mark of Excellence and Citation of Excellence is already a prestigious honor, and these national-level recognitions further emphasize the exceptional talent within Edcouch-Elsa ISD.
Dr. Luis Canales, Director of Fine Arts, expressed his pride, stating, “The dedication and passion that our young musicians have shown is incredible.” Ms. Arellano shared, “These national recognitions reflect their hard work, and I am beyond proud to see them honored in such a significant way. Our band students are amazing, and they performed at a high level allowing for this opportunity to be available to us.”
Edcouch-Elsa ISD Congratulates the Carlos F. Truan Concert Band and Symphonic Band on these remarkable achievements and extends its gratitude to The Foundation of Music Education for their continued support of musical excellence across the country.
---
About The Foundation of Music Education:
The Foundation of Music Education is a national organization dedicated to promoting and supporting high standards of excellence in music education. Through its competitions, such as the Mark of Excellence and Citation of Excellence, the foundation provides recognition to outstanding bands and ensembles from across the country.
---