On Thursday, April 23, members of the BPHS Music Department woke up bright and early to travel to Virginia Beach, VA to attend the Festivals of Music Competition.

The music department had a stellar performance there, with many ensembles performing. The following groups performed, and won these awards:

• Marching Band: 1st Place Superior Rating
• Bethettes: 1st Place Superior Rating
• Majorettes: 1st Place Superior Rating
• Drum Line: 1st Place Superior Rating
• Top 21 Jazz Choir: 2nd Place Superior Rating
• Top 21 Mixed Choir: 1st Place Superior Rating and “Best Overall Concert Choir”
• Symphonic Orchestra: 1st Place Excellent Rating and “Best Overall Orchestra”
• Concert Band: 2nd Place Superior Rating
• Symphonic Band: 1st Place Superior Rating and “William D. Revelli Best Overall Concert Band”
• Jazz Ensemble: 1st Place Superior Rating and “Best Overall Jazz Ensemble”
• Percussion Ensemble: 1st Place Superior Rating

In addition to these group awards, several students and sections won individual awards. They are:

• Joe Beaver: Outstanding Jazz Soloist
• Joe Serefini: Outstanding Vocal Soloist
• Saxophones: Outstanding Jazz Section

One student who went on the band trip was Head Bethette, Carolyn Hancock. When asked what her favorite part about the trip was, she said, “My favorite part was performing with the Bethettes! Everyone worked so hard on the routine and it looked amazing. I am so proud of the girls this year and I thank them for a great senior year!”

When the music department was not busy performing, they went to Busch Gardens, went go carting, and went on a dinner cruise.

It was a successful trip for all ensembles and musicians. Next year, the music department will travel to a city to compete.