BHS hosted marching band battle

Battling not only the other marching bands but the high wind and intermittent rain, almost 20 marching bands from around Northern Virginia competed for the position of grand champion marching band at a competition held Oct. 1 at Battlefield High School in Haymarket.

Battlefield’s band bowed out of competition to ensure a great day for all the participants and their guests but took an opportunity in the late evening to perform a phenomenal demonstration of the band members’ expertise.

Frank Iaconis is the volunteer drill instructor for Battlefield Bobcats marching band. “We have had a good turnout considering the weather’s a little iffy,” he said. Iaconis said bands from all over Northern Virginia were participating in different classes. “Band sizes run from 50 to 200 depending on their class.” Battlefield’s marching band has about 180 musicians and guard members.

Judges, like T. J. Agee, band director at Brentsville District High School in Nokesville, were selected for their experience, according to Matt Brodt. Brodt, Battlefield’s band director, said, “They were chosen based upon their years and body of work. They all have judged for years and have, or had, fantastic bands.”

Trophies were awarded for each of the five classes in multiple categories including drum life and general effect. All told, 45 trophies were awarded to participating bands.

Fauquier’s Kettle Run High School took first place in Class A. Other bands from around the area, but none in Prince William County or Manassas took first place. The overall grand champion, with the highest score for the day, was Fairfax High School; its 200 members wowed the audience with their performance.

Watch for the full story in an upcoming issue of the Bull Run Observer.