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Wildcat Marching Band Takes First in Two Regional Competitions

Student musicians dominated the 3A category at the Oakton Classic and the Manassas Park Fall Classic this month.

Who: Wildcat Marching Band 

School:  

Accomplishment: On Saturday, Oct. 15, the Centreville High School Wildcat Marching Band won first place in the 3A category at the Oakton Classic Invitational Marching Band Competition. The band also won the same category at the Manassas Park Marching Band Fall Classic on Oct. 8.  

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Key to Success: This is the second time in four years that the Wildcat Marching Band has competed in the Oakton Classic, a prestigious event held at that attracts exceptionally talented bands from throughout Northern Virginia.  

The Wildcats performed “The Heist” during the Oct. 15 competition, a complex, 9-minute show they’d been preparing for since June. “The Heist” also features intricate drill design and tells a story through music and movement.  

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At the Oakton Classic, the Wildcats competed against 13 other bands and were judged on music performance, marching and general effect. The 89-member Centreville band went on to win first place in the 3A category and was the fifth-highest scoring band in the competition. 

The Wildcats were thrilled about their win; though Melissa Hall, Director of Bands at Centreville High School, would’ve been proud of her students no matter their final score.  

“Any time the band is recognized for their hard work and fantastic performances, it is a win in my eyes,” Hall said. “If they can feel good about what they do and know they gave it their all, whether they win or not, I am truly happy.” 

Early preparation and a rigorous practice schedule paid off for Hall and the band. She and the other staff members began detailed rehearsal planning back in April.

The Wildcats also had success at the Manassas Park Marching Band Fall Classic at . There the Wildcats were not only the highest-scoring band in the 3A category, but also won first place drum line, marching and music and second place guard and general effect.  

The Wildcat Marching Band will finish up its fall season this weekend. After performing during halftime at , the band will be evaluated at the Virginia Band and Orchestra Director’s Association (VBODA) Marching Performance Assessment at on Saturday. 

Melissa Hall is pleased to end the 2011 season on a positive note and is already looking toward the future of the Wildcat Marching Band.  

“The band is building a tradition of excellence at Centreville High School,” she wrote in an email. “It is a truly wonderful feeling knowing that the administration, teachers, faculty and students embrace and support what we do, and I enjoy sharing that positive ‘buzz’ with my students. We look forward to welcoming future musicians into our band family!”

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