Musicians in the Jazz Ensemble at Paschal High School in Fort Worth, Texas, can really play, according to the Foundation for Music Education’s National Jazz Honors Project.
This week, the Fort Worth Independent School District announced that the ensemble was selected for a 2022 national “Mark of Excellence” distinction from the organization, which is “dedicated to the support and advancement of music education.”
Those interested can check out a Paschal Jazz Ensemble performance here.
“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.”
Winners of the foundation’s “Mark of Excellence” award demonstrate “outstanding achievement in performance,” and include high school and middle school bands, choirs, and orchestras, said the Fort Worth Independent School District.
“The Paschal Jazz Ensemble’s submission was one of many throughout the United States, representing the best programs,” the district explained. “A blind panel of nationally renowned directors anonymously judged the entries,” and only the top 25% of entrants went on to be recognized as national winners.
Each participating band also receives feedback from an adjudicator. Grammy Award-winning baritone saxophonist and composer Aaron Joseph Lington was the jazz ensemble adjudicator this year.
“This project is special for many reasons, but the one that sticks out is educational,” said Sawyer. “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.”
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