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Oakton Marching Band Chosen as Finalist in Metallica Competition
Oakton High School Marching Cougars has been chosen as a national finalist in Metallica's inaugural marching band competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Vienna, VA, December 12, 2023] – The Oakton High School Marching Cougars, a prestigious 25-year Virginia Honor Band, has been chosen as a national finalist in Metallica's inaugural marching band competition, "For Whom the Band Tolls." The Marching Cougars were selected as one of the top five bands in the small high school category by a panel of professional marching band judges. Oakton was the only high school selected from the state of Virginia and one of only two selected from the East Coast as finalists. Metallica band members will view Oakton's submission and choose the overall winner to be awarded $15,000 in prizing the first week in January.
The Oakton High School Marching Cougars' show submission, “Parade to Black”, features The Unforgiven, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Turn the Page [a frequent cover by Metallica], The Memory Remains, and Enter Sandman. Band Director, Dr. Jamie VanValkenburg, selected the show to align with his vision of the Marching Cougars as a band that engages both performers and the audience through thrilling visuals and dynamic sound.
Find out what's happening in Oaktonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Oakton High School encourages the school and local community to proudly vote in support of the Marching Cougars as “Fan Favorite” on this national stage. Voting ends on December 31, 2023 online at metallicamarchingband.com/submissions/high-school or by texting 'VOTE #HSOAKTON' to 1-833-609-0330.
This competition provides an extraordinary platform for the Marching Cougars’ talented musicians to demonstrate their achievements and serves as a testament to the vibrant and accomplished music program at Oakton High School. You can view the Marching Cougar’s online submission of “Parade to Black” here: metallicamarchingband.com/submissions/high-school. Their performance reflects the Marching Cougars’ years of dedication, practice, and commitment to musical excellence.
Find out what's happening in Oaktonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Christy Henderson
President Band Boosters of Oakton High School
Competition: metallicamarchingband.com
Oakton’s submission: metallicamarchingband.com/submissions/high-school
Vote for Fan Favorite (ends December 31): metallicamarchingband.com/submissions/high-school
Performance photos (courtesy of David Custer): https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/bDyaTimIR1OAu0lOcjwYvA.zX1P-xkQVGr0pHCgy45Rea
