On Wednesday, Sept. 15, the Friendswood Junior High (FJH) and Friendswood High School (FHS) bands were officially announced as National Winners in the 2021 Foundation for Music Education's Mark of Excellence Competition. Out of more than 225 entrants from across the United States, only the best few groups in each classification is picked to be a national winner. This is the first time Friendswood Junior High has been selected for this award in the toughest junior high classification, and the second time Friendswood High School has achieved this award. The winning groups are selected based on recordings submitted from the 2020-2021 school year.
“This achievement was won during what was arguably the most difficult school year in recent history,” FJH Band Director Thomas Landfried said. “The Friendswood bands had to deal with ever changing rehearsal environments, limited rehearsal time, frequent absences, and through it all, the Friendswood bands achieved something they never had. All FISD Band directors are extremely proud of the work and dedication shown through these challenging times. They are a true testament that work and dedication will lead to success.”
FHS bands are under the direction of Brett Nelson with assistance from Julio Sanchez and Maycie Meyer. FJH is led by Director Thomas Landfried with assistance from Jason Abbott and Walter Steinke.