Editor's Note: The following article was submitted by the Kirk Roberston with the McLean Band Parents Association.

Members of the award-winning McLean High School Marching Band spent most of August in preparation for national band competitions. Chris Weise, McLean’s Director of Bands, says the band has never sounded better and predicts it will set new records this Fall.

“Rehearsals began in early August, each morning at 8 a.m. with our last session ending at 9 at night,” Weise said, “These students have a strong esprit de corps, they want to be the best and I think they will prove it in Fall competitions.”

The Highlanders head to two national contests this Fall, one at Giants Stadium in New York and another in Towson, Md.  Their show is based on music from “Harvest,” by John Mackey.

Band Parents Association President Karrie McMillan reported that the band has expanded 25 percent this year to a record 160 musicians.  “We attribute growth to the program’s excellence and the national reputation of the band and its leadership.” McMillan said.

According to Weise, the band’s color guard, a dance theater group, has also expanded.  “Even the best band cannot win without a good color guard” Weise commented, “The young women in our guard are talented, have terrific leadership and work very hard.  They will be our secret weapon this fall.”

“Everyone in the area is invited to McLean football home games this fall,” McMillan said, “They will see a phenomenal marching band show … and catch some fantastic football too.”