COPPERAS COVE – For the second year in a row, a band in Copperas Cove 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 National Wind Band Honors for the second consecutive year.
“For the S.C. Lee Wind Ensemble to receive Commended Winner recognition for the second consecutive year is an incredible accomplishment,” said Kenneth Marina, Director of Bands at S.C. Lee Jr. High School. “This award is a reflection of the dedication, hard work and musical growth of our students, their families and the entire team at Lee.”
The Mark of Excellence is a national recorded-performance competition which includes middle school and high school bands from across the United States, recognizing groups for achieving the highest standards of performance. Bands which placed in the top half of entrants earned Commended Winner honors.
“We are incredibly proud of our S.C. Lee Junior High Band students and their outstanding directors,” said Director of Fine Arts Megan Kenobbie. “Earning the Mark of Excellence for the second consecutive year is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the dedication, talent, and hard work of our students and their leaders.”
This award recognizes the band for its performance work in the 2025-26 school year. During that year, the school earned its first five spots in the All-Region Middle School Jazz Bands, while also placing a region-best 35 students in All-Region bands.
In the spring, the Lee Wind Ensemble joined every ensemble in CCISD in earning a Superior Rating at UIL Concert Evaluation & Sight-Reading Contest, with Lee’s Wind Ensemble earning straight “1” ratings.