Join us for a preview performance by the Symphonic Band and Percussion Ensemble from McLean (Virginia) High School. With Chris Weise and Deidra Denson, directors of the Symphonic Band; and Ohio State alumnus David Wolf (DMA 2005), director of the Percussion Ensemble. Both ensembles will be performing their programs for the Music For All National Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana, March 12-14.
The McLean Highlander Symphonic Band, a select ensemble of 70-80 members, is the top performing group in the band program. This year celebrates the ensemble’s fifth appearance at the Music For All National Concert Band Festival; the band also appeared in 1995, 1999, 2006, and 2011. The group was the featured performing high school ensemble at the Virginia Music Educators Conference in 2002, 2006, and 2011. The band also performed at the 2006 Midwest Clinic. In 2000, the John Philip Sousa Foundation awarded the McLean Symphonic Band the Sudler Flag of Honor - the most prestigious recognition a high school concert band can receive.
The McLean High School Percussion Ensemble is made up of all students enrolled in the Percussion Class, which meets every other school day, separate from other instrumentalists. In addition to percussion ensemble literature, the students also work on music and techniques for the Highlander Marching Band and the three concert bands. In recent years, the Percussion Ensemble has received superior ratings at festivals in Virginia and Massachusetts and was a 3rd place winner in the 2011 Black Swamp Percussion Ensemble Showcase. The ensemble also recently performed at the VA/DC PAS Day of Percussion.
The McLean Band program gives its students a wide variety of quality experiences, and is proud to be a part of a music department that also includes vibrant and successful programs in orchestra and chorus. The Highlanders appreciate the generous support of the McLean Band Parents Association and the McLean community.
This concert is free and open to the public.
