Boston Mass, Festivals of Music 2023
On April 28,2023, the Spotswood High School Symphonic and Jazz Bands traveled to Boston Mass to participate in the Festivals of Music Performance Festival, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America.
During Sundays Awards ceremony, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Jazz Band- Rated "Superior" and placed 3rd in Jazz Ensembles Class A. Our first Jazz "Superior" in SHS History
Symphonic Band- Rated" Superior" and placed 1st in Concert Band II Class A and received the William D. Rivelli Best Overall Band Award for scoring the highest of all HS Bands at the festival.
Best Jazz Soloist- Caden Dowgin (Vibes)
Williamsburg VA, Music in the Parks 2022
On April 8th 2022, the Spotswood High School Symphonic Band and Jazz Band traveled to Williamsburg, VA to participate in the Music in the Parks performance festival, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America.
During Saturday’s award ceremony at the Royal Palace at Busch Gardens, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Symphonic Band – Rated “Superior” and placed 1st in Concert Band II Class A
Jazz Ensemble - Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Jazz Ensemble Class A
Of particular note was the Symphonic Band, which received an average score of 95 the highest recorded score in Spotswood history.
Fun fact: 'Drums of the Saamis' was a concert band favorite in 2020, when we had it prepared for the competition in DC. Needless to say, there was some unfinished business with this piece! We were extremely excited to be able to share it this year. Congratulations to all of our talented students for not only their hard work in rehearsals and dedication to performance, but for their exemplary behavior. Spotswood was represented well in the South!
Boston MA, Festivals of Music 2019
0n April 13th 2019, the Spotswood High School Concert Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band traveled to Boston, MA to participate in the Festivals of Music performance festival, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America.
During Sunday's awards ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Jazz Band - Rated "Excellent" and placed 2nd in Jazz Ensemble Class A
Concert Band - Rated "Excellent" and placed 2nd in Concert Band Class A
Honors Wind Ensemble - Rated "Excellent" and placed 2nd in Concert Band Class AA
The entire Spotswood High School Band program was also awarded the Dr. Tim Lautenheizer Esprit de Corps Trophy. The final award that is announced at the ceremony, this highly-prized honor is given to only one school from the entire festival. It recognizes a program that demonstrates kindness, leadership, respect, and professionalism among each other and in working with the festival participants and coordinators. This is Spotswood's fourth Esprit de Corps in seven years
Congratulations to all of our talented students for not only their hard work in rehearsals and dedication to performance, but for their exemplary behavior
Williamsburg VA, Music in the Parks 2018
On April 28th 2018, the Spotswood High School Concert Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band traveled to Williamsburg, VA to participate in the Music in the Parks performance festival, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America.
During Saturday’s award ceremony at the Royal Palace at Busch Gardens, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Honors Wind Ensemble – Rated “Superior” and placed 2nd in Concert Band Class A I
Jazz Band - Rated “Excellent” and placed 4th in Jazz Ensemble Class A
Concert Band – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class A II
Of particular note was the Wind Ensemble, which received an average score of 94 the highest recorded score in Spotswood history.
Congratulations to all of our talented students for not only their hard work in rehearsals and dedication to performance, but for their exemplary behavior. They were respectful and gracious to all adults who interacted with our group. Spotswood was represented well in the South!
Cleveland OH, Festivals of Music 2017
On April 21st 2017, the Spotswood High School Concert Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band participated in the Festivals of Music performance competition in Cleveland, OH, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America
During Saturday’s award ceremony at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Concert Band – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class A
Jazz Band – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Jazz Ensemble Class A
Honors Wind Ensemble - Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class AA
Outstanding Soloist (Jazz) - Andrew Faulkenberry, Trombone
William D. Revelli Plaque for Best Overall Band - Honors Wind Ensemble
Perhaps the most important accolade received by Spotswood was the coveted Esprit de Corps award. Awarded to only one school at each festival, this honor offers the opportunity to recognize participating organizations which display an exemplary attitude of positive support and outstanding personal behavior. Unlike other trophies that focus on musical achievement based on the scores of the adjudication panel, this prize spotlights the performance of the students throughout the festival weekend as they demonstrate their highest level of responsible behavior. Personal integrity, quality character values, a desire for excellence, and a spirit of cooperation serve as the cornerstone qualities of the Esprit de Corps awards. For the second consecutive year, the Esprit de Corps award has a home at SHS!
One last trip highlight was the band's performance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday for museum-goers. Bucket list item: CHECK!
On April 28,2023, the Spotswood High School Symphonic and Jazz Bands traveled to Boston Mass to participate in the Festivals of Music Performance Festival, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America.
During Sundays Awards ceremony, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Jazz Band- Rated "Superior" and placed 3rd in Jazz Ensembles Class A. Our first Jazz "Superior" in SHS History
Symphonic Band- Rated" Superior" and placed 1st in Concert Band II Class A and received the William D. Rivelli Best Overall Band Award for scoring the highest of all HS Bands at the festival.
Best Jazz Soloist- Caden Dowgin (Vibes)
Williamsburg VA, Music in the Parks 2022
On April 8th 2022, the Spotswood High School Symphonic Band and Jazz Band traveled to Williamsburg, VA to participate in the Music in the Parks performance festival, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America.
During Saturday’s award ceremony at the Royal Palace at Busch Gardens, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Symphonic Band – Rated “Superior” and placed 1st in Concert Band II Class A
Jazz Ensemble - Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Jazz Ensemble Class A
Of particular note was the Symphonic Band, which received an average score of 95 the highest recorded score in Spotswood history.
Fun fact: 'Drums of the Saamis' was a concert band favorite in 2020, when we had it prepared for the competition in DC. Needless to say, there was some unfinished business with this piece! We were extremely excited to be able to share it this year. Congratulations to all of our talented students for not only their hard work in rehearsals and dedication to performance, but for their exemplary behavior. Spotswood was represented well in the South!
Boston MA, Festivals of Music 2019
0n April 13th 2019, the Spotswood High School Concert Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band traveled to Boston, MA to participate in the Festivals of Music performance festival, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America.
During Sunday's awards ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Jazz Band - Rated "Excellent" and placed 2nd in Jazz Ensemble Class A
Concert Band - Rated "Excellent" and placed 2nd in Concert Band Class A
Honors Wind Ensemble - Rated "Excellent" and placed 2nd in Concert Band Class AA
The entire Spotswood High School Band program was also awarded the Dr. Tim Lautenheizer Esprit de Corps Trophy. The final award that is announced at the ceremony, this highly-prized honor is given to only one school from the entire festival. It recognizes a program that demonstrates kindness, leadership, respect, and professionalism among each other and in working with the festival participants and coordinators. This is Spotswood's fourth Esprit de Corps in seven years
Congratulations to all of our talented students for not only their hard work in rehearsals and dedication to performance, but for their exemplary behavior
Williamsburg VA, Music in the Parks 2018
On April 28th 2018, the Spotswood High School Concert Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band traveled to Williamsburg, VA to participate in the Music in the Parks performance festival, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America.
During Saturday’s award ceremony at the Royal Palace at Busch Gardens, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Honors Wind Ensemble – Rated “Superior” and placed 2nd in Concert Band Class A I
Jazz Band - Rated “Excellent” and placed 4th in Jazz Ensemble Class A
Concert Band – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class A II
Of particular note was the Wind Ensemble, which received an average score of 94 the highest recorded score in Spotswood history.
Congratulations to all of our talented students for not only their hard work in rehearsals and dedication to performance, but for their exemplary behavior. They were respectful and gracious to all adults who interacted with our group. Spotswood was represented well in the South!
Cleveland OH, Festivals of Music 2017
On April 21st 2017, the Spotswood High School Concert Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band participated in the Festivals of Music performance competition in Cleveland, OH, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America
During Saturday’s award ceremony at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Concert Band – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class A
Jazz Band – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Jazz Ensemble Class A
Honors Wind Ensemble - Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class AA
Outstanding Soloist (Jazz) - Andrew Faulkenberry, Trombone
William D. Revelli Plaque for Best Overall Band - Honors Wind Ensemble
Perhaps the most important accolade received by Spotswood was the coveted Esprit de Corps award. Awarded to only one school at each festival, this honor offers the opportunity to recognize participating organizations which display an exemplary attitude of positive support and outstanding personal behavior. Unlike other trophies that focus on musical achievement based on the scores of the adjudication panel, this prize spotlights the performance of the students throughout the festival weekend as they demonstrate their highest level of responsible behavior. Personal integrity, quality character values, a desire for excellence, and a spirit of cooperation serve as the cornerstone qualities of the Esprit de Corps awards. For the second consecutive year, the Esprit de Corps award has a home at SHS!
One last trip highlight was the band's performance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday for museum-goers. Bucket list item: CHECK!
Washington DC, Festivals of Music 2016
On April 22nd 2016, the Spotswood High School Concert Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band participated in the Festivals of Music performance competition, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America. The goal of Festivals of Music, one of the largest and widespread festival organizations across the United States and Canada, is to provide middle school and high school students with positive and constructive feedback throughout the competition process, all while validating the tremendous amount of hours that go into the preparation for a performance festival. All groups are adjudicated by college professors, professional musicians and clinicians, and are subsequently ranked among each other according to difficulty of music and rated based on numeric score. Comments are digitally recorded by each adjudicator and given to the directors so that students and directors alike can reflect on their performance.
During Friday’s award ceremony at Northern Virginia Community College, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Concert Band – Rated “Excellent” and placed 2nd in Concert Band Class A
Jazz Band – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Jazz Ensemble Class A
Honors Wind Ensemble - Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class AA
Perhaps the most important accolade received by Spotswood was the coveted Esprit di Corps award. Awarded to only one band at each festival, this honor offers the opportunity to recognize participating organizations which display an exemplary attitude of positive support and outstanding personal behavior. Unlike other trophies that focus on musical achievement based on the scores of the adjudication panel, this prize spotlights the performance of the students throughout the festival weekend as they demonstrate their highest level of responsible behavior. Personal integrity, quality character values, a desire for excellence, and a spirit of cooperation serve as the cornerstone qualities of the Esprit di Corps awards. For only the second time in Spotswood history, the Esprit di Corps award has a home at SHS!
On April 22nd 2016, the Spotswood High School Concert Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band participated in the Festivals of Music performance competition, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America. The goal of Festivals of Music, one of the largest and widespread festival organizations across the United States and Canada, is to provide middle school and high school students with positive and constructive feedback throughout the competition process, all while validating the tremendous amount of hours that go into the preparation for a performance festival. All groups are adjudicated by college professors, professional musicians and clinicians, and are subsequently ranked among each other according to difficulty of music and rated based on numeric score. Comments are digitally recorded by each adjudicator and given to the directors so that students and directors alike can reflect on their performance.
During Friday’s award ceremony at Northern Virginia Community College, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Concert Band – Rated “Excellent” and placed 2nd in Concert Band Class A
Jazz Band – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Jazz Ensemble Class A
Honors Wind Ensemble - Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class AA
Perhaps the most important accolade received by Spotswood was the coveted Esprit di Corps award. Awarded to only one band at each festival, this honor offers the opportunity to recognize participating organizations which display an exemplary attitude of positive support and outstanding personal behavior. Unlike other trophies that focus on musical achievement based on the scores of the adjudication panel, this prize spotlights the performance of the students throughout the festival weekend as they demonstrate their highest level of responsible behavior. Personal integrity, quality character values, a desire for excellence, and a spirit of cooperation serve as the cornerstone qualities of the Esprit di Corps awards. For only the second time in Spotswood history, the Esprit di Corps award has a home at SHS!
Boston MA, Festivals of Music 2015
On April 17th 2015, the Spotswood High School Concert Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band traveled to Boston, MA to participate in the Festivals of Music performance festival, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America. At this year’s Boston, MA festival, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Canada were represented.
During Sunday’s award ceremony at the Duxbury Performing Arts Center, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Honors Wind Ensemble – Rated “Excellent” and placed 3rd overall in Concert Band Class AA
Jazz Band - Placed 2nd in Jazz Ensemble Class A; sophomore Andrew Faulkenberry received the medal for “Outstanding Jazz Soloist” for all high school jazz bands
Concert Band – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class A
Congratulations to all of our talented students for not only their hard work in rehearsals and dedication to performance, but for their exemplary behavior. They were respectful and gracious to all adults who interacted with our group. Spotswood was represented well in the northeast!
On April 17th 2015, the Spotswood High School Concert Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band traveled to Boston, MA to participate in the Festivals of Music performance festival, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America. At this year’s Boston, MA festival, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Canada were represented.
During Sunday’s award ceremony at the Duxbury Performing Arts Center, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Honors Wind Ensemble – Rated “Excellent” and placed 3rd overall in Concert Band Class AA
Jazz Band - Placed 2nd in Jazz Ensemble Class A; sophomore Andrew Faulkenberry received the medal for “Outstanding Jazz Soloist” for all high school jazz bands
Concert Band – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class A
Congratulations to all of our talented students for not only their hard work in rehearsals and dedication to performance, but for their exemplary behavior. They were respectful and gracious to all adults who interacted with our group. Spotswood was represented well in the northeast!
Williamsburg VA, Music in the Parks 2014
On April 26th 2014, the Spotswood High School Concert Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band traveled to Williamsburg, VA to participate in the Music in the Parks performance festival, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America. At this year’s Williamsburg festival, the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, Maryland, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ohio, and Vermont were represented.
During Saturday’s award ceremony at Busch Gardens, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Honors Wind Ensemble – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class IA
Jazz Band - Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Jazz Ensemble Class A; received trophy for “Best Overall Jazz Ensemble”
Concert Band – Rated “Superior” and placed 2nd in Concert Band Class IIA
Congratulations to all of our talented students for not only their hard work in rehearsals and dedication to performance, but for their exemplary behavior. They were respectful and gracious to all adults who interacted with our group. Spotswood was represented well in the South!
On April 26th 2014, the Spotswood High School Concert Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band traveled to Williamsburg, VA to participate in the Music in the Parks performance festival, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America. At this year’s Williamsburg festival, the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, Maryland, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ohio, and Vermont were represented.
During Saturday’s award ceremony at Busch Gardens, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Honors Wind Ensemble – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class IA
Jazz Band - Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Jazz Ensemble Class A; received trophy for “Best Overall Jazz Ensemble”
Concert Band – Rated “Superior” and placed 2nd in Concert Band Class IIA
Congratulations to all of our talented students for not only their hard work in rehearsals and dedication to performance, but for their exemplary behavior. They were respectful and gracious to all adults who interacted with our group. Spotswood was represented well in the South!
Cincinnati OH, Music in the Parks 2013
On April 25th, the Spotswood High School Concert Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band traveled to Cincinnati, OH to participate in the Music in the Parks performance festival, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America. At this year’s Cincinnati, OH festival, the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia were represented.
During Saturday’s award ceremony at Kings Island Amusement Park, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Jazz Band - Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Jazz Ensemble Class A;
Senior Andrew Pelham received a medal for “Outstanding Jazz Soloist”
Concert Band – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class IA
Honors Wind Ensemble – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class IIA; received trophy for “Best Overall High School Band”
Congratulations to all of our talented students for not only their hard work in rehearsals and dedication to performance, but for their exemplary behavior. They were respectful and gracious to all adults who interacted with our group. Spotswood was represented well in the mid-west!
On April 25th, the Spotswood High School Concert Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band traveled to Cincinnati, OH to participate in the Music in the Parks performance festival, competing against some of the finest instrumental ensembles in North America. At this year’s Cincinnati, OH festival, the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia were represented.
During Saturday’s award ceremony at Kings Island Amusement Park, the SHS Bands earned the following honors:
Jazz Band - Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Jazz Ensemble Class A;
Senior Andrew Pelham received a medal for “Outstanding Jazz Soloist”
Concert Band – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class IA
Honors Wind Ensemble – Rated “Excellent” and placed 1st in Concert Band Class IIA; received trophy for “Best Overall High School Band”
Congratulations to all of our talented students for not only their hard work in rehearsals and dedication to performance, but for their exemplary behavior. They were respectful and gracious to all adults who interacted with our group. Spotswood was represented well in the mid-west!