"An International Award Recognizing Junior High and Middle School Concert Bands of Outstanding Musical Excellence from Small Schools"

Purpose

To identify, recognize and honor junior high and middle school concert band programs from schools consisting of at least two grades, 6 through 9 with an enrollment of 600 or less, that have demonstrated particularly significant high standards of excellence in concert activities over a period of several years.

The Award

• In order to receive the award the Pickens County Middle School band and their conductor, Mary Land, met the following requirements.
• The band must have achieved and maintained a high standard of excellence in the concert area over a period of five years.
• The concert band will have placed itself in situations where there has been opportunity for evaluation by qualified persons or has been rated "superior" at state or regional levels in concert activities.
• The director must have been incumbent in his/her position for at least five years, including the current year.
• A number of students in the band should have participated in district, all-state honor bands or similar all area groups.
• The total program must exemplify what is considered a sound viable, music educational program for this level of endeavor.

The Pickens County Middle School Band was presented with the Magna Cum Laude Award on February 12, 2004.   See photos from presentation.

For more information contact
Kevin Boyle, Director
kevinboyle@pickens.k12.ga.us