Cleveland City Schools’ band programs have a lot to celebrate this spring! From middle school to high school, student musicians brought home top honors at the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (ETSBOA) Concert Festivals—earning recognition for their talent, discipline, and hard work. Leading the way, the Cleveland High School Band earned Straight Superior ratings and received the elite ASBDA Band of Distinction Award—an honor only granted to ensembles that achieve superior ratings in every subcategory from every judge. This remarkable accomplishment places the CHS Band among the top-performing programs in the entire region. “We are incredibly proud of our students,” said CHS Director of Bands, Jim Burton. “This year’s group has really set the standard high—not only in their musical performance but in how they represent our school and community. Receiving the ASBDA Band of Distinction award is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and musical maturity.” The success didn’t stop at the high school level. The Cleveland Middle School 8th Grade Band performed at Farragut High School and received Superior ratings from all three judges on their stage performance, as well as an Excellent in sight reading. Meanwhile, the 7th Grade Band took the stage at UTC and delivered an outstanding performance that earned Superior ratings across the board in both stage performance and sight reading. “Our students rose to the occasion and gave some of their strongest performances of the year,” said Caleb Bolaños, Director of Bands at Cleveland Middle School. “We emphasize growth, teamwork, and discipline, and to see their hard work rewarded in this way is incredibly meaningful. These students continue to make our school proud.” These awards reflect the strength of the district’s music program, the passion of its directors, and the unwavering support of families and the community. Cleveland City Schools continues to invest in arts education as part of its mission to build champions—on stage, in the classroom, and beyond.

Cleveland City Schools Bands Bring Home Superior Scores and Prestigious Award

Cleveland City Schools

April 21, 2025

Cleveland City Schools’ band programs have a lot to celebrate this spring! From middle school to high school, student musicians brought home top honors at the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (ETSBOA) Concert Festivals—earning recognition for their talent, discipline, and hard work.

Leading the way, the Cleveland High School Band earned Straight Superior ratings and received the elite ASBDA Band of Distinction Award—an honor only granted to ensembles that achieve superior ratings in every subcategory from every judge. This remarkable accomplishment places the CHS Band among the top-performing programs in the entire region.

“We are incredibly proud of our students,” said CHS Director of Bands, Jim Burton. “This year’s group has really set the standard high—not only in their musical performance but in how they represent our school and community. Receiving the ASBDA Band of Distinction award is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and musical maturity.”

The success didn’t stop at the high school level.

The Cleveland Middle School 8th Grade Band performed at Farragut High School and received Superior ratings from all three judges on their stage performance, as well as an Excellent in sight reading.

Meanwhile, the 7th Grade Band took the stage at UTC and delivered an outstanding performance that earned Superior ratings across the board in both stage performance and sight reading.

“Our students rose to the occasion and gave some of their strongest performances of the year,” said Caleb Bolaños, Director of Bands at Cleveland Middle School. “We emphasize growth, teamwork, and discipline, and to see their hard work rewarded in this way is incredibly meaningful. These students continue to make our school proud.”

These awards reflect the strength of the district’s music program, the passion of its directors, and the unwavering support of families and the community.

Cleveland City Schools continues to invest in arts education as part of its mission to build champions—on stage, in the classroom, and beyond.