McLean Marching Band Sweeps Weekend Competitions

McLEAN, VA -- The McLean Marching Band won two top awards over the weekend with its "Story of My Life" performance by the 160-person marching band and color guard who dance, jump and are hoisted into the air. In the end, they all fall into a perfect heart. Here's more about the band and their performance, from a news release announcing their wins:

Throughout the show, a simple narration of a grandmother reading a letter to her grandchild reminds the audience what’s most important in our lives: love.

It is an exploration of love over the course of one’s life: love for a parent, love for a significant other, and love for a child. Different kinds of love, but each are part of our shared human experience. It’s remarkable to see a high school marching band tell such a profound, intimate story on a football field.

“It just moves me, it’s very touching. It brings tears to my eyes every time I see it,” said Gina Manning, a band parent who has seen the show many times.

“I'm very proud of our students’ accomplishments. They’ve worked so hard and I thought their performances were fantastic, their best so far,” said Band Director Chris Weise.

At the USBands Westminster Regional Championship in Westminster, Md., McLean took home 1st Place in Class 6 Open, Best Visual Performance, Best Music, Best General Effect, and Highest Score Overall - Grand Champions.

Several hours later at the USBands Music in Motion Regional Championship in Fulton, Md., McLean took all top awards in their category: 1st Place in Class 6 Open, Best Visual Performance, Best Music, Best Guard, Best Percussion, Best General Effect, and Highest Score Overall - Grand Champions.

The music in this show includes selections by The Piano Guys, Frank Ticheli, The Cinematic Orchestra, John Adams, Ludwig Van Beethoven, and music from the movie Love, Actually.

The McLean Highlander Marching Band is under the field direction of Drum Majors Will Glembocki, Alonso Flores-Saez, and Nour Khachemoune.

The McLean Band Program is under the direction of Chris Weise and Deidra Denson. For more information, please visit www.mcleanband.com.