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HCS Marching Bands Earn all Superior and Excellent Ratings at State Marching Band Assessment

Each of the four Hampton high schools marching bands received superior or excellent ratings from the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA). 


The VBODA holds state marching band assessments each October. A panel of seven professional adjudicators rates the high school bands in music, marching, and general effect. The evaluation reflects one part of a high-quality high school music program. 


“We are proud of the marching band students, their families, the directors, and school administrators. These results show that all programs have returned to meeting or exceeding the standards. Now, the students move into concert season, where they read and perform even more complex and varied music to improve their music literacy and reach even broader audiences,” shared Kelly Dee, visual and performing arts curriculum leader.


Congratulations to each of the schools on their following accomplishments.


Bethel High School Band

Superior Rating


Drum Majors - Nilah Ankrah and Trinity Robinson


Nilah is a senior and plays the alto saxophone. Her favorite subject besides music is biology. She likes being a drum major because “I am able to make connections with everyone involved in the band.” She plans to attend a four-year university and major in biology.  


Trinity is an 11th grader and plays tenor saxophone. Her favorite subject besides music is science. She likes being a drum major because “I get to watch the band from the outside and help make music and visual adjustments. I also like watching the band grow and develop overall.” She plans to attend an HBCU and earn her master's degree to become a biomedical scientist. 


Hampton High School Band

Excellent Rating


Drum Major - Tamia Kelly


Tamia is a senior and plays the flute and piccolo. Her favorite subjects besides music are government and philosophy. She likes being a drum major because “There is magic that comes with a marching band that has freed me from the scary aspects of growing up. I desire to provide the same experience for others.” She plans to major in political science and minor in philosophy. She also aspires to be a senator or white house press secretary. 


Kecoughtan High School Band

Excellent Rating


Drum Major - Jordan Dandridge


Jordan is a senior and plays alto saxophone and percussion. His favorite subject besides music is math. He likes being a drum major because “Being able to support the band that has imparted so much over the past five years brings me joy.” He plans to attend James Madison University and major in music with a focus on composition.


Phoebus High School Band

Excellent Rating


Drum Major - Mahogany Davison


Mahogany is a senior and plays flute and piccolo. Her favorite subject besides music is science. She likes being a drum major because “I enjoy being able to motivate my peers and bring forth that positive energy.” She plans to major in psychology or mass communication and wants to model.