Congratulations to the 200 students from the SAHS Performing Arts Department for their recent successful trip to Norfolk, Virginia. They competed against schools nationwide, participated in the 2024 NATO Parade of Nations and International Tattoo, and received commendable feedback from music professionals.

The word “tattoo” refers to a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands. It is presented in cooperation with NATO and the Norfolk NATO Festival. Established in 1997, the Virginia International Tattoo, a signature event of the Virginia Arts Festival, is an annual celebration of patriotism and international goodwill. Every year, the Tattoo welcomes over 1,000 performers from all over the world in a display of military bands, drill teams, massed pipes and drums, Celtic dancers, choirs, and more. It is the largest tattoo in the United States, drawing an audience of nearly 40,000 people each year including over 16,000 area students at the annual student matinees, and was listed as American Bus Association’s Top North American Event for 2016.??The judges' written and verbal feedback will be carefully reviewed with the students, highlighting areas for improvement and for post-assessment. We take great pride in the exemplary behavior and outstanding performance demonstrated by our students.

Congratulations to our students for their remarkable achievements across all performing groups. The students were not only evaluated with ratings (bronze, silver, gold), but also achieved recognition through placement within their competition categories and received additional accolades for top scores, including "Best in Class" and top overall scores, transcending competition categories.???

M. George Tepshich, Director of Bands
Kristin Tepshich, Director of Choirs
Shirley Rankin, Director of Orchestra???

Honors Wind Ensemble: Gold Rating (2nd Place)

Best Overall Concert Soloist: Andrew Purucker (10), French Horn

Honors Jazz Ensemble I:

Gold Rating (1st Place)

*Best overall Jazz Band*?

Best Overall Jazz Soloist: Delaney Zagger (11), Tenor Saxophone

Best Overall Student Accompanist: Emily Bedeck (9), Piano??

Honors Chamber Choir: Gold Rating (1st Place)

Honors Women's Chorus:

Gold Rating (1st Place)

*Best Overall Choir*

Concert Choir: Gold Rating (2nd Place)

Best Overall Student Accompanist: Emily Bedeck (9), Piano??

ORCHESTRA?

String Orchestra: Gold Rating (1st Place)??

Titan Marching Band: Gold Rating (2nd Place)

Dance Team: Gold Rating

Drum Line: Silver Rating

Color Guard: Silver Rating

Majorettes: Silver Rating

ADJUDICATORS
Dr. Nancy Klein, Old Dominion University
Ms. Stephanie Sanders, Norfolk State University
Dr. Barbara Klemp, Former, Rutgers University
Dr. Alex Trevino, Old Dominion University
Dr. Mark Kadetsky, Rowan University
Ms. Heidi Sarver, University of Delaware