TMHS Chamber Orchestra Named National Winner in Prestigious Mark of Excellence Competition

TOMBALL – Tomball ISD proudly announces that Tomball Memorial High School’s Chamber Orchestra has been named a National Winner in the Foundation for Music Education’s highly competitive Mark of Excellence competition. This honor places Tomball Memorial among only eight programs nationwide selected for the distinction in 2025.

The Mark of Excellence competition received hundreds of entries across all classifications from 40 states, representing the very best of music education in the country. Tomball Memorial’s achievement underscores the strength of its orchestra program and the dedication of its student musicians and directors.

“Being recognized by the Mark of Excellence National Orchestra Honors Project is a testament to the dedication of our fantastic student musicians that we have here at Memorial,” said Peter Jagdeo, head orchestra director, TMHS. “Our students are well trained across the district at a very early age in our elementary, intermediate, and junior high schools which allows them to compete on a national stage when they come to us at the high school level. It is very easy to see and hear that our students are very good, but it is encouraging to know that their talent sets a standard of excellence not just in our community, but in our country.”

While Tomball Memorial has previously been recognized as a Commended Winner in both the string and full orchestra divisions, this year’s National Winner title marks a return to the program’s top-tier standing, having last achieved the honor in 2021.

The Mark of Excellence project, managed by the Foundation for Music Education, seeks to recognize and encourage exceptional achievement in performance by ensembles at the high school, middle school, and collegiate levels.

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 23,000 students across 25 campuses.