October 20, 2008

Contact:           Dr. Ed Cannava

                        Arapahoe High School

                        303-347-6031

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dr. Ed Cannava Awarded National Band Association Citation of Excellence

On Monday, October 13, 2008, Dr. Ed Cannava was awarded the prestigious Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association.  The award was presented at the conclusion of the State Marching Band Regional Qualifying Festival held at Littleton Public Schools Stadium by Dr. Richard Mayne, Director of the University of Northern Colorado “Pride of the Rockies” Marching Band.  Assisting in the presentation were Dr. Kenneth Singleton, Director of University Bands at UNC, and Arapahoe Warrior Band alumni Bobby Cassara.

The Citation of Excellence is awarded to band directors who have a “history of a distinguished level of accomplishment and significant contributions to the field”.  Dr. Cannava receives this award in recognition of his personal dedication and promotion of excellence as director of the Arapahoe High School Band program, which includes three concert bands, two jazz bands, a Dixie combo and the Warrior Marching Band.  Under Dr. Cannava’s leadership, Arapahoe’s bands have been recognized and won awards at the local, regional, state and national level and have performed by invitation both nationally and internationally.

The National Band Association is the largest band director’s professional organization in the world.  It was organized for the purpose of promoting the musical and educational significance of bands and is dedicated to the attainment of a high level of excellence for bands and band music.