Independence High School Marching Band Wins 3rd Consecutive State Championship

ASHBURN, VA — The marching band at Independence High School in Ashburn has earned its third consecutive state title.

Over the weekend, the Independence High School Marching Band earned the Virginia Class 6A Championship and the Commonwealth Cup Championship for three years in a row. The marching band also won the Class 6A State and Commonwealth Cup titles in 2023 and 2024, marking 1,090 days since the band last placed below first at a state competition.

In a news release, the band attributed the achievement to the discipline, teamwork, growth of the program and dedication of student musicians and directors Kyle Harrington and Amanda Young.

“This is a celebration of every student, every parent, and every staff member who has given so much to this program,” said Harrington in a statement. “Three State Championships and Three Commonwealth Cups in a row is humbling and a testament to the commitment and drive of our musicians and staff.”

“They didn’t just perform,” added Young. “They competed with conviction, passion, and unity. I am so proud of how they lifted each other up through every rehearsal and performance.”

During the 2025 competition season, 184 student musicians prepared with over 190 rehearsal hours. They performed "Unleash the Beast" 13 times throughout the region and state. The performance includes custom-designed uniforms, an intricate drill design, 50-plus pBones (plastic trombones), swinging plastic chains, and 8-foot-tall props. One of the standout visual features of the performance is four boards with drop-down panels of 10,000 LED lights illuminating the field with a "danger" warning and video projection of a Beast.

The band competed nationally for Bands of America at the Ballad Health East Tennessee Regional at East Tennessee State University, placing fourth overall among 22 top band programs in the Southeast. The band earned the Grand Champion title at the James Madison University Parade of Champions, scoring higher than 50-plus other ensembles. During its competition season, the marching band earned high scores in general effect, visual and music captions.

The marching band will continue to pursue achievements by appearing at the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana in November 2026.

The Independence High School marching band says it has worked to become a source of pride for greater Ashburn and Loudoun County. The program is supported by the Independence Band Boosters, parent volunteers, local sponsors, benefactors, and the school administration. More information on supporting the Independence marching band program is available on the boosters' website.