The Heritage High School Band Program has been recognized by the Virginia Band and Orchestra Director’s Association as a 2012-13 Commonwealth of Virginia Honor Band. This distinguished award is the highest honor a band program can receive from the VBODA and recognizes excellence in all areas of the band program. In order to qualify for this award, a band must achieve a Superior rating at both state assessments put on by the VBODA annually—Marching Band Assessment and Concert Assessment.
The "Big Orange Marching Machine" received a Superior rating in October at the VBODA State Marching Band Assessment in Massaponax while the Symphonic Band was awarded a Superior rating on March 21st at the VBODA District Concert Band Assessment held at E. C. Glass High School.
"It is an honor to be recognized by the VBODA in any manner, but when all areas of the program are recognized, it gives it an added meaning," comments Band Director Mike Hand. "We have an outstanding group of students who set a standard of Superior effort and musical performance each year in all aspects of the band program. Their goal and mission is quite simple; it is to be recognized as one of the top band programs in the Commonwealth."
This year's award comes with added distinction as it marks the 10th time the band has been recognized by the VBODA as an Honor Band in the history of Heritage High School. Six of these awards have been in the past eight years. The VBODA gives special recognitions to programs that reach the 10-, 15- and 20-year achievement levels. "This award represents the hard work and dedication of our students, parents, instructors, and supporters," said Hand. "I'm proud of the efforts of our entire team. We constantly talk about no one person being above the program, so when a true team achievement is bestowed upon our group, it makes it all worthwhile."
Upcoming HHS Band Performances include:
- May 4 Jazz Band Dinner Fundraiser, 7:00 p.m.
- May 23 Year end concert for Jazz, Percussion and Symphonic Bands, 7:00 p.m. at HHS
- Also The HHS Band Boosters are holding a golf tournament in May as a fundraiser for the program. Deadline to enter is May 1st. E-mail [email protected] or download a form from the HHS website.