Marching Band Wrap Up
Heritage High School’s Big Orange Marching Machine, or BOMM, and E.C. Glass High School’s Pride of the Old Dominion have wrapped up their seasons and have plenty to be proud of.
From Heritage High School:
The Heritage High School Big Orange Marching Machine has finished 2009 undefeated for a second consecutive season. At each of the four competitions the Big Orange participated in, they were awarded the Grand Championship trophy for highest scoring band of the day regardless of class.
On September 28, 2009 placed first at the Stonewall Showcase of Bands in Staunton, VA. The BOMM was awarded First Place in Music, Color Guard, General Effect and Percussion. They also received a Superior rating as well as First Place Class AAA. The rainy day was capped off with the competition’s Grand Championship with an overall score of 92.3.
At the Mountain Magic Invitational, hosted by James River High School on October 3, 2009, the Big Orange Marching Machine placed First in Class AAA in Marching, General Effect, Color Guard and Percussion as well as securing a superior rating and the group’s second Grand Championship of the season with an overall score of 90.5.
As a follow, the Big Orange Marching Machine traveled to Lord Botetourt High School on October 24, 2009 for the Cavalier Invitational. Once again, Heritage walked away with First in Class trophies for Marching, General Effect, Color Guard and Percussion as well as adding First in Class for Music and Drum Major to the list. For the third week in a row, the Big Orange Marching Machine captured First in Class overall (with a superior rating) as well as Grand Champion honors.
The final weekend Heritage traveled to Massaponax High School for the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association State Marching Festival. The Big Orange Marching Machine was awarded superior ratings, from each of the five judges on the panel, an accomplishment shared by only six other high schools out of the 29 that performed that day. “Straight ones at State Festival is the highest honor you can receive. We couldn’t be happier with the performance of the students. By achieving what they have, they have put themselves on the road to becoming a Virginia Honor band for the 9th time in school history.” stated Mike Hand, Director of Bands at Heritage High School.
“We set goals every season for the students,” explains Hand, “a list of attainable – but deeply challenging goals. “It was a great season,” said Hand “with a fine group of outstanding young people. This is what happens when a group truly works as a team – with no one feeling they need to be the superstar. My staff and I could not be more proud of this group or more excited to see what they can do in the seasons to come…we are already looking forward to 2010.”
From E.C. Glass High School:
The Pride of the Old Dominion dominated in four competitions this year. The members of this year’s marching band took on students from other cities and states during a season that proved to be a successful development year. With only 11 seniors graduating, next year’s band will likely grow to one of the largest field bands for the school in eight years.
The Old Dominion’s first competition was September 19 at William Byrd High School. The band took home the award for Best Visual Performance. On September 26 the band traveled to Danville for the Dixie Classic at George Washington High School. Their performance in Danville snagged them Best Guard and Best Percussion honors. October 3rd it was off to Virginia Beach for the band as they attended the United States Scholastic Band Association Competition at Kempsville High School. Sixteen bands competed for top honors but only one came out on top – E.C. Glass High School. Glass took home the title of Grand Champion Band of the Day along with Best Visual and Best Music.
The season ended with the largest band competition in Virginia – the Parade of Champions at James Madison University on October 24. More than 6,000 people were in attendance and 44 bands competed. E.C. Glass was honored with the title of Best Music in its Class and ranked 7th overall. Only three points separated the top 7 scores overall. This is the highest overall placement by any Glass band in the school’s history for this contest. The Director of Bands, Larry Seipp, was extremely proud of this musical team saying “The community, state, and nation were thrilled with fine performances that, continuing a strong tradition, have become synonymous with EXCELLENCE among the Nation's top band programs.” And Mr. Seipp hinted that the season may not be over for the Old Dominion saying “due to this year's successes, we are currently considering several significant invitations to perform out of state at the National level.”
