This past weekend, the Concert Band and Symphonic both received a superior rating in the VBODA Concert Band Performance Assessment. They are both now recognized as Virginia Honor Bands.

“Everybody that participated worked really hard in two clinics the past weekends prior to competing,” Band Director Andrew Loft said. “Students also practiced in school and out of school on their own to be prepared.”

The festival was held on March 2 and 3. The band students have been working towards this competition since they came together for the 2011-2012 school year this summer.

“I was a little nervous in the beginning as I need to work on sight reading, but came home extremely happy with our performance,” sophomore Megan Ryan said.

“Overall I am glad to be in the band and proud of the accomplishment Annandale now has.”

Band students will continue working for the remainder of the year to perfect their skills for the upcoming years.

“I was proud of how we did as a whole, and hope that the students are as well,” Loft said.

For some students performing, it was their first time.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but now that I have a taste of what it’s like, I can be more prepared for the future festivals,” sophomore Oliver Molina said.

“Being a part of something this rewarding makes me what to stick with it throughout my high school years and in the future,” Molina said.

Others agree that it was a rewarding experience.

“Earning superior this weekend was a feeling like no other, and I hope I get to feel it again sometime soon,” Ryan said.