Other Performance Opportunities

All-District Band

Each year in early February, the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors' Association (VBODA) sponsors an All-District Band event at Hayfield Secondary School. Students audition for the event in early December (or early January, in the case of inclement weather), at West Potomac High School (usually). To audition, students perform selected scales, a prescribed music selection, and a sight-reading. Judges are seated behind curtains and students are identified by numbers. A band is selected from a predetermined instrumentation list. Those selected for the All-District Band attend rehearsals with a guest conductor for a Thursday (evening), Friday (all day), and Saturday (all day). The event culminates with a Saturday evening performance.

Solo and Ensemble Festival

Solo and Ensemble Festival gives students a chance to perform music in a smaller setting than the band. Sponsored by the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors' Association (VBODA), this activity is held at a middle school in the area. Students perform solos and in small ensembles in front of an impartial judge. Music is graded according to difficulty, from I (easy) to VI (very difficult). Performances are assessed according to set standards of criteria. THIS IS NOT A COMPETITION. Five ratings are given: I-Superior, II-Excellent, III-Good, IV-Fair, V-Poor. Students receive a comment sheet with constructive criticism and details on areas of improvement.

Spring Trip

Every year the high school bands schedule a spring trip. The trip is usually a 4-5 day outing to a location where the bands can perform for nationally renowned adjudicators. There they receive comments and awards in an educational setting. Time is scheduled for "fun," enabling students to bond and enjoy each other's company

A trip proposal, including itinerary, is sent out in the fall. The fee for the trip includes hotel, transportation, and most meals. The fee is paid in payments spread over several months. A deposit is required within 3 weeks of the proposal date. Since fees are based on group rates, all fees are nonrefundable.

This is a great opportunity for fun and memories, so don't miss out!

PS - Moms & Dads! We also need chaperones for this trip - one adult for every 10 students. Please consider spending a fantastic opportunity with your son or daughter.