Concert Assessment RESULTS 2016

The band traveled Friday to participate in the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association District VI Concert Assessment at Blacksburg High School.

For those unfamiliar with Concert Assessment, it is essentially the band’s SOL test (yes, band does have SOL standards!) We prepare three pieces to perform on-stage for judges. We also must sight read a piece. The sight reading is an important measurement of our progress; we must perform the music having never seen it before. The entire ensemble has only seven minutes to study the piece and perform it for another judge. All judges assign a rating (I’ve outlined the scale below this note). Each individual rating is combined for an overall rating—one that represents our program among all other band programs in the community, region, and Commonwealth.

The students of the William Fleming High School Symphonic Band earned a II – Excellent rating for 2016! Additionally, we received a I – Superior rating from the sight reading judge. According to records dating back to 2003, this is the first time William Fleming has ever received a superior rating from any single judge, and only the second time we have received a II – Excellent rating.

The growth and maturity of these young musicians as an ensemble is significant. An equally great victory is the recognition we receive for our level of professionalism. At Blacksburg High School, in the restaurant, and even on the bus, we received many compliments from complete strangers about how appreciative they were for the manners and respect shown by our students.

Anyone listening to the band knows that there is always work to be done, and we will continue to work hard to improve even more. In our program, we believe that Colonel Pride is not permanent or something owed to us—it must be earned continually. We believe that through our commitment to excellence, we will continue to earn Colonel Pride, and we are honored to help represent our great school and community.

VBODA Rating Scale

I – Superior

II – Excellent

III – Good

IV – Fair

V – Poor