Known to be an impressive, award-winning program, McLean Band celebrates its latest win: All-District Band results. Over 50 students were granted the distinction, making McLean’s players the largest group in the district to attain All-District Band status and qualify for auditions for All-Virginia.

An oboe player in the wind ensemble, junior Vivienne Holly was one of the students denoted All-Virginia eligible through her audition.

“To prepare, I tried to practice everything from scale to etude, [focusing] on my weaknesses, including not rushing down the chromatic and incorporating dynamics in the etude,” Holly said. “Auditioning helped me build confidence playing in front of others.”

These students have received the opportunity to work with some of the most notable conductors in the nation at Oakton High School from Feb. 1-3. Including professionals like Dr. Mallory Thompson from Northwestern University and Dr. Scott Jones from Ohio State University, the event will undoubtedly provide participants with an invaluable experience.

“I strongly encourage all musicians at the school to try out for All-District,” Holly said. “It’s a great way to have your skills as a musician evaluated. Even if you’re self-conscious about making mistakes, [try anyway because] what matters is how you recover or learn from them.”