Allen ISD Fine Arts programs earned national recognition in the 2026 Mark of Excellence and Citation of Excellence competitions, with multiple middle and high school ensembles named National Winners and Commended Winners.
Sponsored by The Foundation for Music Education, the competition recognizes outstanding achievement in performance by middle and high school bands, choirs and orchestras across the country.
Mark of Excellence (Varsity Division)
National Winners:
• Ereckson MS Select Treble Choir – Stephanie Petru
• Allen HS Jazz Band I – Alex Baczewski
• Allen HS Symphony Orchestra – David DeVoto
• Allen HS Chamber I Orchestra – David DeVoto, Matt Cross
• Curtis MS Symphony Orchestra – Amanda Su, Clint Schaefer
• Ereckson MS Chamber Orchestra – Joanna DeVoto, Rachel Boone, Annabel Choi
Commended Winners:
• Ereckson MS Select Tenor-Bass Choir – Stephanie Petru
• Ford MS Vivocem Tenor-Bass Choir – Leo Castro
• Ereckson MS Symphony Orchestra – Joanna DeVoto, Matt McGann, Chris Garza
• Curtis MS Chamber Orchestra – Amanda Su
Citation of Excellence (JV Division)
National Winners:
• Allen HS Wind Symphony – Alex Baczewski
• Allen HS Philharmonic Orchestra – Matt Cross, Alex Baczewski
• Lowery Freshman Center Symphony Orchestra – Charles Robinson, Candi Ice, Joshua Blankenship
• Lowery Freshman Center Chamber Orchestra – Charles Robinson
• Curtis MS Sinfonia I Orchestra – Abigail Waymon
Commended Winners:
• Ereckson MS Sinfonia I Orchestra – Rachel Boone, Joanna DeVoto
These national honors reflect the dedication and hard work of Allen ISD student musicians and the directors who support their growth throughout the year. The recognition across band, choir and orchestra programs at both the middle and high school levels highlights the continued strength of music education across the district. Allen ISD congratulates each of the recognized ensembles and directors on this outstanding achievement.