Battlefield High School Marching Bobcats Host Band Competition

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Battlefield High School will host its third annual Battle Royale Marching Band Competition Oct. 5 at 4:15 p.m. at the football stadium on 15000 Graduation Drive in Haymarket.

While band students enjoy the camaraderie and excitement of performing at football games, band competitions really “raise the bar for performances," said Catherina Hurlburt, Publicity Coordinator for the Battlefield High School Marching Band, "because they know they are being judged.”

Hurlburt said that Battlefield's marching band has been recognized by the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Organization (VBODA) as an honors band since the school's opening. With that distinction, they have attended multiple band competitions across the region.

"We’ve been going to so many competitions in the area and in Virginia that we wanted to join in and host,” Hurlburt said.

On the competition field, Battlefield will be joined by eleven other high school marching bands from around the region. Competitors are coming from some of the best music and band schools in Prince William, Culppeper, Fauquier, Fairfax, Loudoun and Arlington counties. PWCS marching bands include Patriot, Stonewall Jackson, Potomac and Hylton.

Hurlburt said it will be an entertaining evening for all with bands delivering a diverse repertoire of musical pieces, including traditional marching tunes, Latin numbers, classic rock and recognizable pop favorites. Hurlburt believes the military-like precision of the choreography is also impressive. Perhaps that is why 1,000 spectators are expected to attend the performances.

Band alumni, parents and teachers are especially invited to partake in the entertainment, which Hurlburt said can become a bit of a reunion for former band members.

“Many of the Marching Captains members hail from Northern Virginia schools, so it will be a homecoming of sorts as well,” Hurlburt said.

And beyond the competitive aspect, Battlefield has planned performances sheerly for their entertainment value as well. Battlefield’s own Marching Bobcats, a 9-time Virginia Honor Band, will perform their 10th anniversary show, “A Legendary 10”—a tribute performance that includes songs from their first nine shows. Christopher Newport University Marching Captains will also perform their “Heroes” show at 8 p.m., which is sure to be a theatrical treat.

Finally, the night will be capped off with awards for Best Drum Major, Best Drumline, Best Auxiliary, Best Music, Best General Effect and Best Marching. Then bands ranging from A to AAAAA, based on size, will be awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies for their class, culminating in the Grand Champion award given to the band with the highest judges’ score.

The 2011 Grand Champion was Fairfax High School and the 2012 Grand Champion was Woodbridge Senior High School, but this year, Hurlburt expects the championship to come down to Patriot High School in Nokesville verses Westfield High School of Chantilly.

Those who fondly remember their band days or want to support their local school are invited to the competition. Remember to wear Bobcats' purple, Pioneer red, Raiders' maroon or your favorite school colors!

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