The Alamo Heights Junior School Chamber Orchestra has been named a National Winner in the prestigious Mark of Excellence project hosted by The Foundation for Music Education. x

The Mark of Excellence is a national music competition that recognizes junior high and high school music ensembles for outstanding performances in band, orchestra, and choir. This year the program received 525 entries in all categories from 40 states. 

This is the first time the Junior School has earned this honor and recognition is for the 2025-2026 Chamber Orchestra. Orchestra directors are Joemichael Garcia and Lani Gil. 

“This is a testament to the dedicated AHISD orchestra students and their families who are committed to their child's music education," said Garcia. “We are also grateful for private lesson teachers who work with our students weekly, and our administration who is always supportive of us. We are thankful to be in a district that values Fine Arts at such a high level and a community that has supported Strings education for over 50 years!” 

2025-2026 Chamber Orchestra students are: Olivia Batchelor, Alice Beck, Eleanor Biechlin, Sophia Brenner, Ryder Bronson, Eloise Bruton, Tomas Concha, Malcolm Corey, Iker Diaz de la Fuente Aboumrad, Mia Fassold, Alicia Gonzalez, Emiliano Gonzalez, Elyssa Howells, Mahalia Hudson, Teagan Hughes, Felix Jeske, Jan Kaars-Sypesteyn, Max King, Joshua Narvaez, Emmett O'Sullivan, Charley Peavy, Elsa Robelo, Rachel Rodriguez, Joe Rust, Jasper Saussy, Mia Sei, Evalyn Sharp, Theodore Surratt, Brandon Webb, Karina Wirt, Wesley Yaden, and Elisa Yuan.

“I am incredibly proud of Mr. Garcia, Mrs. Gil, and the entire Alamo Heights Orchestra program,” said David Stephenson, AHISD Coordinator of Fine Arts. “The exceptional musical and educational experiences they provide for their students are evident in every performance. This award is a well-earned recognition of the dedication, passion, and hard work they have invested in building an outstanding orchestra program. They continue to create something truly special for the students and community of Alamo Heights.” 

The Foundation for Music Education will include the Junior School’s submitted recording on a Spotify playlist featuring the winners and include them in their printed publications and magazine throughout the year. 

The Alamo Heights Band Wind Ensemble previously earned this national recognition in 2021.