Community News: E.C. Glass music programs receive national recognition

News release
Published: May 20, 2008

Read the news release below

The EC Glass Band, Orchestra, and Choral Departments were recognized by the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association and the Virginia Music Educators Association with the BLUE RIBBON AWARD.
The Blue Ribbon Award is the highest honor a music department can earn within the state of Virginia.  In order to be recognized with this distinction, all top-eligible-performing groups (Band, Orchestra, and Chorus) must ALL receive a final rating of SUPERIOR at the VMEA District Concert Festival, held in March.

Last month, the EC Glass Festival Band participated in Festival Disney, Walt Disney World’s Annual Concert Band Competition and Festival.  In spite of being the smallest concert band in attendance, the Glass band won “Best Band” of the day in it’s class, which is based on school size.  E.C. Glass placed in the top 5 out of 25 concert bands, regardless of class and size, from across the nation.  The Festival Band was a 32 member combined band that met three times afterschool and, in addition to the high school members, included several 8th grade band members from Linkhorne Middle School.

2007-2008 Student Accomplishments

• Symphonic Band Received Superior and Excellent Ratings at VBODA Festival (II, II, II, I)
• Wind Ensemble Received Straight Superior Ratings at VBODA Festival (I, I, I, I) and were considered by many to be one of the finest ensembles in attendance.
• The Festival Band, which was the smallest band in attendance, won “Best Band” at Festival Disney’s Concert Band Competition.  The Festival Band also included select 8th graders from the LMS band program.
• The Jazz Ensemble performed for Dunbar Middle School Bands and represented LCS by performing a “good-will” tour at James River Day School.
• A record number (ECG) of band members placed in the VBODA All-District Band (19), and had one of the highest percentages of participation within the district.
• A record number (ECG) of band members qualified to audition for the VBODA All-Virginia Band (8). 
• AJ Brown, Trombone, placed 2nd in the state for the VBODA All-Virginia Band.