Performance and Competitions

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

The W-L Bands participate in major performances and competitions throughout the school year.  In addition, there are several opportunities for individuals to compete and perform at the district level. All performances are open to the public. We invite you to attend as many of the band’s performances as you are able throughout the year.  A large, enthusiastic audience motivates the students and your attendance is always appreciated!

Please consult the band calendar for specific dates and locations of this year’s performances and competitions.

Marching Band (September to November)

The W-L Marching Band plays at Friday night home football games and two or three major competitions during the marching season. Marching Band competitions take place on Saturdays. The last competition of the season is typically the Virginia State Marching Festival, sponsored by the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA), where marching bands from Virginia perform for a rating.

Visit the Band Schedules page to see the 2024-2025 Marching Band performance dates.

Winter Band Showcase (December)

The Winter Band Showcase features performances by the W-L Concert and Symphonic Bands, Jazz Band, and other small ensembles.

All-District 12 Band Auditions (January)

The All-District Band is comprised of top musicians across District 12 and are selected by audition. Those achieving this honor participate in concentrated practices the first weekend in February on Thursday and Friday evenings, all day Saturday, with a culminating concert performance on Sunday.

Auditions are held for students from middle and high schools in District 12 (Arlington and Fairfax Counties) for the Senior Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble (high school students) or Junior Symphonic Band (middle school students).

Auditions are held the first weekend after winter break. To audition, students must register in December through the W-L Band Director, Mr. Robinson.

Pre-District Band Concert (February)

This concert provides the W-L Concert and Symphonic bands and Arlington middle school bands the opportunity to perform their concert programs before appearing before adjudicators at the District Band Festival in March.

Pyramid Concert

This concert also provides the W-L Concert and Symphonic bands and Arlington middle school bands the opportunity to perform their concert programs before appearing before adjudicators at the District Band Festival in March. This concert is typically held at a middle school.

District Band Festival (March)

The W-L Concert and Symphonic Bands perform at this annual festival, which is held at a Fairfax County school in Music District 12. The District Band Festival provides Washington-Liberty and other Virginia bands the opportunity to perform and receive a rating from a panel of nationally acclaimed concert band adjudicators. Bands also receive a separate rating on sight-reading. Recordings of the competition performances may be purchased from a private vendor at the festival site.

Chantilly Jazz Festival (March)

This festival, sponsored annually by Chantilly High School on the third Saturday of March, provides an opportunity for middle and high school jazz musicians to perform in a competitive environment. Participation in this festival is by invitation. A guest ensemble or recognized jazz soloist plays at this festival as well. This all-day event concludes Saturday evening with performances by the three most outstanding bands.

Jazz Pyramid Festival (Spring)

The Jazz Pyramid Festival features jazz performances by students in elementary, middle, and high school jazz bands across Arlington County. Performances include those by the W-L Jazz Combo and Big Jazz Band. A highlight of the evening is a guest performance by local university or professional jazz musicians. In past years, special guests have included the Air Force Special Jazz Combo and the George Mason University Jazz Ensemble.

W-L Spring Band Tour

The W-L Bands take an annual spring tour to a competitive band festival. On the way to the festival, the bands and ensembles may give local performances and attend clinics given by university music department faculty. Destinations on previous trips have included Pigeon Forge, TN; Myrtle Beach, SC; Atlanta, GA; Virginia Beach/Williamsburg, VA; and Orlando, FL.

This two or three-day trip usually departs on Thursday morning and returns on Sunday morning. The trip is chaperoned by Band Boosters parents. The cost of the trip includes transportation by chartered buses, housing, festival costs, breakfast and several other meals. A substantial portion of the cost of this trip is covered by the Fruit & Nut Sale and Tag Day fundraisers. The focus of the Spring Band Tour is competition performance, but the last day of the trip includes free time and an awards ceremony. Arlington Public School rules apply to all students for the entire length of this trip.

District 12 Solo and Ensemble Contest (April)

All students in the W-L Band, with the exception of guitarists, bassists and pianists, are encouraged to participate in this festival for solo and ensemble groups. Registration for this contest occurs in February (through the W-L Band Director, Mr. Robinson) and requirements are available in the band room. Students prepare an individual solo or an ensemble piece and perform for a rating on individual/ensemble merit in front of judges.  Students are required to select and provide their own music and may be required to provide a piano accompanist. There is a minimal participation fee for the student.

Spring Music Department Concert (May)

The Spring Music Department Concert features performances from the band, orchestra, and choral music programs. This is the last music department concert of the year.  It is one of the highlights of the year!