WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — In their first ever appearance at the Music in the Parks Music Festival, 46 student musicians from North Hills Christian School received an “excellent” rating, the second-highest score possible, and first place in their band category.

The band competed for ratings and placement at the nationally recognized music festival in Williamsburg, Va.

On the first day of the trip, the North Hills band performed three selections: a warm-up march and two concert selections from an official list. Two professional judges critiqued tone quality, intonation, rhythmic precision, technique and musicality of each selection.

Col. Thomas Palmatier, retired commander of the U.S. Army Band, the largest music unit in the United States, gave the North Hills Band a score of 85.5 out of a possible 100.

Percy Ironmonger, retired music professor at Christopher Newport University, gave the band a score of 88, just two points short of a “superior” score.

North Hills’ combined score was 86.75.

On the second day, students and chaperones spent time at Busch Gardens Theme Park as musical guests. They rode rides, ate, shopped and experienced the European culture of England, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland and Scotland.

Twenty-three North Hills parents and teachers accompanied the students on the three-day trip. While performing music was the primary focus, the students and chaperones enjoyed other meaningful experiences including group fellowship, goal setting, teamwork, organizational skills, time management and money management.

The North Hills Christian School band is planning to participate in the Six Flags Over Georgia Music Festival next spring.

The band is under the direction of Keith Howe. Maria Lowder is executive director.

North Hills Christian School is a nondenominational college-preparatory Christian day school serving students in junior kindergarten through 12th grade. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and by the Association of Christian Schools International.

For more about North Hills Christian School, contact Jeannie Ogg at 704-636-3005, Ext. 109, to request information or schedule a tour.