SV Marching Band crowned grand champions

SV Marching Band

The Seneca Valley Marching Band was named the Grand Champions in the Norfolk North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Festival’s “Parade of Nations” in Norfolk, VA, held on April 26.

In addition to the “Grand Champion” award, the highest overall score of any ensemble at the festival, the marching band also earned the best percussion award, best auxiliaries award and a gold rating. The band was judged on all aspects of their performance including music presentation, marching, alignment, auxiliary routines, and overall pride, carriage and poise. Seneca Valley was one of only eight high school bands selected nationwide to be in the parade.

The Norfolk NATO Festival hosted its 72nd annual “Parade of Nations,” the longest continuously running parade in the region and the only parade in the United States honoring NATO. At the parade there were over 100 parade units with local and visiting high school bands from five states, U.S. and international military bands, and colorful floats that represented each of the 30 NATO member nations.

This marks Seneca Valley Marching Band’s fifth appearance in the parade, and they proudly earned the title of Grand Champions every time.

“We are so proud of our students and their hard work,” said Varden Armstrong, Seneca Valley band director and performing arts coordinator. “They have continued the rich tradition of excellence and have left their mark in the legacy of the SV band program. This is a significant accomplishment and is the direct result of the students’ time, dedication and determination.”

The Seneca Valley Marching Band is led by directors Mr. Varden Armstrong, Mr. Robert Babick, Ms. Sara Snyder and Mr. Brian Croach.