OHS Band Receives Honors at Nation’s Capital

The  symphonic and wind bands earned several awards along with touring Washington D.C. earlier this month.

The bands played at the WorldStrides Heritage Performance Music Festival, where the wind symphony earned the highest score of any band.

"I have been very impressed with the students' consistent pursuit of excellence on a daily basis," said Band Director Vance Brakefield in an email to Patch. "The performance was a culmination of hard work and attention to detail. It is always nice to be awarded accolades from other adjudicators."

The winds received a gold rating in Class 3A, an Adjudicators’ Award and the Outstanding Band Group distinction. The symphonic band earned a silver rating and a second-place finish in Class 2A.

Brakefield attributes the band's success to its high expectations. The group also has two All-State musicians in Zach Bearden and . 

During the trip, the students visited national landmarks including a guided tour of the White House and U.S. Capitol Building and a night tour of the Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial.

The trip was the band's last competition of the school year, but individuals will be working toward the state solo and ensemble contest on April 28. 

See the Oakville band at the following performances; all are at 7 p.m. at Oakville High School:

April 12: Night of Percussion

May 3: Spring Concert

May 7: Jazz Night 

*This story was updated at 11:15 a.m. with more information.