The Washington-Liberty Marching Generals

***Updated 8/25/24***

• All Marching Band announcements, emails and reminders are sent out through the W-L Marching Band listserv. If you aren’t a listserv member, sign up through this link!
• Everything you need to know about marching band can be found in the 2024 – 2025 Marching Band Handbook

What do you need for Band Camp?

• **NEW** For band camp and after school rehearsals, there is no dress code anymore, however
  • Sneakers/athletic shoes are required
  • Athletic shorts & shirts are recommended
  • Baseball or bucket hats if desired
• Use sunblock!
• Bring your own refillable water bottle
• Have music memorized

Rehearsals after school starts:

• See the Band Schedules page for the most updated version of the practice and performance calendars.

• The Marching Band and Guard generally practice on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from Sept – early November.

Marching Generals at Oakton Classic Band Competition, October 8, 2022 photo by Elizabeth Rylander

The Washington-Liberty Marching Generals

The award-winning W-L Marching Generals consists of the marching band with pit percussion, the drum line, and the color guard. These units attend three weeks of band camp before the school year starts to be ready for September parades and half-time shows. They travel to competitions throughout Virginia, play at home games and other school functions, and represent W-L High School at performances in Arlington through mid-November. On occasion, they participate in spring competitions and parades. Marching band members receive a half-year course credit. Grading is based on participation and proficiency. The marching band and pit percussion consist mostly of upperclassmen from the symphonic band, with a few talented freshmen as well. All symphonic band students are members of the marching band, and most class time in September and October is devoted to marching music. The pit percussion plays the larger, non-marching percussion instruments along the sideline. The band practices after school in sectional rehearsals as well as the complete band unit.

Percussion students:  Please review this information

Drum Line

The drum line marches as part of the band during half time shows and parades. In addition, the group performs special percussion features on its own, which are prepared during student-led after school practice sessions.

Color Guard

The color guard performs both with the marching band and independently. Members are selected by auditions held in the spring. In the fall they choose their outfits, flags and accessories and choreograph their routine consistent with the band’s music. The color guard is judged separately at marching band competitions, and its success is critical to the high ratings received by the Marching Generals.