Three Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD high school music ensembles are celebrating national recognition after earning top honors from the Foundation for Music Education.

The R.L. Turner High School Varsity Treble Choir, directed by Evan Brown, was named a 2026 Class 5A National Winner in the Mark of Excellence National Choral Honors.

Creekview High School also earned two national honors. The school’s Wind Ensemble, directed by Arturo Denis, was named a 2026 Class 5A National Winner in the Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors. The Creekview Wind Symphony, directed by Nathanael Salas, earned a 2026 Class 5A National Winner designation in the Citation of Excellence, a national project recognizing non-varsity ensembles.

The national Mark of Excellence competition received more than 500 entries from ensembles representing 40 states, placing CFBISD’s ensembles in the top 25% in their respective classifications.

“To receive any kind of recognition by the Mark of Excellence competition is high praise,” said CFBISD Fine Arts Director Mark Rohwer. “For CFBISD to receive multiple honors across different musical disciplines speaks to the depth and breadth of what fine arts offers, something that one won’t find in a lot of places. We are so proud of these outstanding programs.”

The national recognition highlights the talent and dedication of CFBISD students and directors, as well as the district’s continued commitment to excellence in fine arts education.