The Falls Church High School symphonic band received an overall “superior” rating at the annual High School Concert Band Assessment for District 10 of the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association. A total of 23 ensembles participated in this event, which took place at West Potomac High School on March 1 and 2. The superior rating is the highest that the panel of judges could award on the basis of performance merit and musical difficulty.

With a total of 85 students in grades 9 through 12, Falls Church High School had one of the largest ensembles in this year’s assessment, nearly half of whom are freshmen. The band is under the direction of John Davenport, assisted by Rhonda Bowen. The FCHS band, orchestra, and chorus are currently preparing for their Spring Festival Trip in April to Nashville, Tennessee.