Seneca Valley Marching Band Takes Grand Champions Title

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA – The Seneca Valley High School marching band was named the grand champions in the recent Norfolk North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Festival’s “Parade of Nations” in Norfolk, VA.

The marching band also earned the best overall music performance award, best marching award and a gold rating. Seneca Valley was one of only 17 bands selected nationwide to be in the parade.

Students also had the opportunity to participate in a clinic and perform music that was assessed by four accomplished musicians. At this festival adjudication, Seneca Valley’s wind ensemble was awarded first place, the best overall concert band award, a gold rating and senior Liz Winters (clarinet) was recognized as the most outstanding instrumental soloist. Seneca Valley's Jazz Ensemble 1 and Jazz Ensemble 2 both earned gold ratings and senior Tommy Zugell (tenor sax) was recognized as the most outstanding jazz soloist.

The Norfolk NATO Festival hosted its 65th annual “Parade of Nations,” the longest continuously running parade in the region and the only parade in the United States honoring NATO. At the parade there were over 100 parade units with local and visiting high school bands, U.S. and International Military bands, and colorful floats that represented each of the 29 NATO Member Nations.