Birdville ISD is proud to announce that four BISD band programs have received national recognition in the Foundation for Music Education’s Mark of Excellence competition. 

The North Richland Middle School and Richland Middle School Honors Band were each named middle school commended winners. In addition, the Richland High School Honors Band was named a AAAAA High School commended winner, while the Richland High Symphonic Band was named the High School Citation of Excellence Non-Varsity national winner. 

The Mark of Excellence competition is a nationally recognized annual contest that recognizes outstanding achievement in performance by high school and middle school varsity bands, choirs and orchestras across the United States. The top 25% of entrants are recognized as national winners, while the second 25% are named commended winners. 

The Citation of Excellence distinction recognizes outstanding achievement in performance by non-varsity high school and middle school bands and orchestras. The top 25% of entrants are recognized as Citation Winners, with the second 25% named Commended Winners.

The Richland Middle Honors Band is directed by Katie Binkley and Aleck Olmedo. The North Richland Middle Honors Band is directed by Andrew Reinhart and Patrick Byars. 

The Richland High Honors Band is directed by Mike Pickrell, and the Richland High Symphonic Band is directed by Anthony Rivera. 

Congratulations to these outstanding students and band directors on this incredible accomplishment!