The Seneca Valley Marching Band was named Grand Champion in the Norfolk North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Festival’s “Parade of Nations,” which was held on April 30 in Norfolk, Va.

In the announcement of the win, school district officials said the band attained the highest score of any band at the festival, and earned the best overall performance award, best percussion award, best auxiliaries award and a gold rating.

The NATO Parade of Nations hosted more than 75 parade units with local and visiting high school bands, U.S. and international military bands, and floats that represented all 30 NATO member nations.

The Seneca Valley Marching Band was one of only 17 high school bands selected nationwide to compete in the parade.

Varden Armstrong, marching band director and performing arts coordinator at Seneca Valley Academy of Choice, said the students represented themselves and the district very well.

“Seeing the students’ faces filled with excitement and a sense of accomplishment was a priceless moment,” Armstrong said. “We are very thankful that the district supports student travel in the performing arts department.”

Other marching band directors are Bob Babick, Sarah Snyder and Brian Croach.