AHS band conquers in assessment

Throughout the year Annandale’s band program had been striving to make memorable impressions and performances that would not be forgotten at Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association State Assessments. All of the hard work definitely paid off, with the Symphonic Band earning an overall excellent rating, and the Wind Ensemble earned an overall superior rating. The Symphonic Band performed on March 2, while the Wind Ensemble performed March 4, both were held at West Potomac High School.

The band assessment consisted of two parts, concert performance and sight reading. During the assessment the bands played three pieces in the concert hall, and were judged on their performances.

“The repertoire consisted of one march and two pieces selected from the VBODA Selective Music List,” Band Director Joseph Witkowski said.

The judges then assessed the performances using a scale of l (superior), ll (excellent), lll (good), lV (fair), or V (poor).

“ We didn’t get the rating I knew we were capable of earning, those judges must have clouded judgements because my band worked really hard and we really wanted a superior rating,” Symphonic Band sophomore student Hangyul Chang said.

After the concert performance the bands then went directly into a room to sight read a piece of newly, composed music that was two levels below their concert repertoire. Using the same rating scale, the judges then evaluated their performance.

Each band was classified by the grade of music they were preforming, which ranged from l (easy), to VI (challenging).

“Most high school bands play music that ranges from grade lll to Vl, “ Witkowski said.

To determine the band’s final rating, the judges averaged their ratings.

During the performances the band’s were judged on many different characteristics, including Tone Quality, Technique, Rhythm, Balance, and General Factors.

“The feedback we receive helps us to know what we are doing well and the areas we can continue to improve for the remainder of the school year,” Witkowski said.

Not only did the Annandale band program do great during assessments, but they also have had two All-State Qualifiers.

Senior Andrew Lauler finished first on percussion and sophomore Gaby Pho finished third on percussion, both at All-Virginia auditions held at James Madison University.

“I am extremely proud of their work ethic, leadership, and skills that enabled them to finish so well amongst a large group of talented students,” Witkowski said.

To first become eligible to audition for the All-Virginia Band both students had to successfully audition into the Northern Virginia Senior Regional Orchestra. Then they had to travel to James Madison University to audition live.

For the audition there was a required étude that everyone had to learn and perform. Everyone was given two and a half weeks to learn the music and to become prepared to demonstrate fundamentals and sight reading ability.

“It was especially challenging to prepare for states this year because I was also auditioning for colleges, which have completely different requirements,” Lauler said.

Both students ended up placing which is an outstanding accomplishment. This was also Lauler’s second year in a row receiving first.

“It felt great, I worked really hard in preparations for my audition and it is nice to know that my work paid off again,” Lauler said.