Marlborough High School Band Director Earns National Educator Honor

MARLBOROUGH, MA — A band director in Marlborough Public Schools has earned national recognition for his work with student musicians.

Marlborough High School Director of Bands James Verdone was named the 2026-2027 Eastern Division recipient of the Dr. William P. Foster Distinguished Educator Award, the school's music department announced on Thursday. The recognition honors successful band directors working in under-resourced schools and communities, according to the Music Education Alliance.

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"This recognition celebrates educators who go above and beyond to provide meaningful musical opportunities and make a lasting impact on their students and communities," the MPS music department wrote in the announcement. "Congratulations, James, on this well-deserved national recognition! We are proud to see Marlborough represented on the national stage!"

The award honors the legacy of Dr. William P. Foster, who created and directed Florida A&M University's internationally acclaimed Marching "100" Band for more than 50 years.

Verdone is one of six division honorees from across the country. The recipients will be recognized at a reception during the 2027 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. They will also receive supplies and resources from several instrument manufacturers, according to the alliance.

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