Historic S.C. Lee Jr. High Places Five in Region 8 All-Region Jazz

For the first time in school history, five S.C. Lee Jr. High students earned spots in the TMEA Region 8 All-Region Middle School Jazz Bands: John Michael Thompson, 1st-chair Bass Guitar and described as the "top overall chair" in All-Region MS Jazz Band 1; Aaliyah Farnum, 2nd-chair Tenor Saxophone in All-Region MS Jazz Band 1; Michael Chandler, 1st-chair Baritone Saxophone in All-Region MS Jazz Band 2; Messiah Lewis, 2nd-chair Tenor Saxophone in All-Region MS Jazz Band 2; and Jordan Willis, 2nd-chair Trombone in All-Region MS Jazz Band 2.

Copperas Cove ISD announced Feb. 18 that the five students will perform in the TMEA Region 8 Jazz Concert listed for Feb. 28 at Temple High School, and the district noted all five also earned spots in the All-Region West Zone bands. The district announcement did not append a year to the Feb. 28 concert date; the announcement date provides the immediate context for the scheduled performance at Temple High School.

S.C. Lee Director of Bands Kenneth Marina praised the students in the district release, saying, "We could not be prouder of the hard work these students put in to earn a spot in such a prestigious group." Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins added district-level recognition, saying, "I could not be more proud of each of these students for their historic accomplishment," and, "To excel in multiple areas is a nod to the hard work and dedication each of them and their teachers. I look forward to a bright future on the jazz stage in CCISD, with this as the launching point."

The All-Region nods arrive amid national recognition for Lee’s larger program. S.C. Lee Jr. High Wind Ensemble was named a Commended Winner in the Foundation for Music Education's Mark of Excellence competition for the 2024–25 school year. The competition drew 478 entries across 40 states, and S.C. Lee placed in the top half of its classification for schools with more than 600 students in grades 7 and 8. Marina characterized that award as "just the cherry on top of a successful year," and CCISD Director of Fine Arts Megan Kenobbie said, "S.C. Lee’s recognition with this award is a true testament to the dedication and excellence of our directors and students."

The district's reporting on the 2024–25 season catalogs broader program success: 42 S.C. Lee students earned All-Region Band honors that year, every Copperas Cove ISD ensemble earned a Superior Rating at UIL Concert Evaluation and Sight-Reading Contest, and the Wind Ensemble received straight "1" ratings. Marina highlighted the program’s momentum, saying, "The standard we are setting is building a strong foundation for the Pride of Cove," and calling his role "the honor of my career."

District materials note the five jazz students balance jazz band with regular band and other extracurricular activities. For those seeking school contact information, S.C. Lee Junior High School lists its address as 1205 Courtney Ln., Copperas Cove, TX 76522, phone 254-542-7877 and fax 254-542-8103. Copperas Cove ISD administration is at 408 S. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522, phone 254-547-1227 and fax 254-547-1535.

A district Instagram post summed the milestone with the partial caption, "For the first time in school history, S.C. Lee Junior High students have earned prestigious chairs in the TMEA Middle School All-Region Jazz.