Metallica To Judge Oakton And Other Marching Band Finalists

VIENNA, VA — Oakton High School's marching bands and others around the U.S. are ready to face the music as Metallica names winners in its national marching band contest.

Popular heavy metal band Metallica is hosting "For Whom the Band Tolls," a competition for matching bands challenged to perform Metallica's music. Several marching on the collegiate and high school levels will win musical equipment for their schools from Metallica and sponsors. Participating bands were given access to a library of marching band charts for Metallica songs.

Oakton High School's Marching Cougars band is one of the five finalists in the small high school category. The marching band's entry includes a performance of Metallica songs "The Unforgiven," "For Whom the Bell Tolls," "Turn the Page," "The Memory Remains" and "Enter Sandman."

"It’s just surreal to me that one of my all-time favorite bands is going to watch my band," Jamie VanValkenburg, Oakton High School's band director, told WTOP. "I’m so proud that we made it this far and that our band is going to get this kind of visibility."

Metallica will choose the final winners in the small, medium and large high school categories as well as division 1 college and division 2 and 3 college. The public can also vote for their favorite high school and collegiate band after viewing performances online.

Winners of the Metallica-judged categories will win $15,000 in prizes, while the public-voted fan favorite winners will receive $10,000.

Oakton High School's Marching Cougars, which is a 25-year Virginia Honor Band, is encouraging votes for the fan favorite category as well as donations to support the band.

Winners will be announced during the week of Jan. 1, 2024.