Three Birdville ISD band programs are making their mark on the national stage.

The Birdville High School Wind Ensemble and Smithfield Middle School Honors Band were named National Winners in the Foundation for Music Education’s Mark of Excellence competition, while the North Ridge Middle School Honors Band was recognized as a Commended Winner. The national competition recognizes outstanding achievement in musical performance by school ensembles across the country.

The recognition puts the work of BISD student musicians and their band directors in the company of band programs from across the United States. Each ensemble submitted a recorded performance for evaluation by a panel of judges, with recognition awarded based on the quality of the performance.

The Mark of Excellence competition recognizes high school and middle school varsity bands, choirs and orchestras. The top 25% of entrants are named national winners, while the second 25% are recognized as commended winners.

“Our nationally recognized bands serve as ambassadors for Birdville ISD, demonstrating that excellence in fine arts is built through creativity, discipline, and collaboration,” said Mark McGahey, Director of Fine Arts. “Their success as Mark of Excellence National and Commended Winners highlights the remarkable opportunities and achievements found throughout our district. We are incredibly proud of their achievements.”