FAQs
What is a Virginia Honor Band?
Learn more about the distinction as defined by the Virginia Band & Orchestra Director's Association
Band programs in Virginia participate in two state-wide assessments:
- State Marching Assessment in the fall for marching band ensembles
- Concert Band Assessment in the spring for concert ensembles
Judges for both assessments are selected by the Association and grade the ensembles on a scale of 1 – 5 represented by roman numerals (I = Superior; II = Excellent; III = Good; IV = Fair; V = Poor). Grades from all judges are averaged together to form the final grade for the ensemble.
Any school earning a final grade of “I” (Superior) for both assessments is designated as a Virginia Honor Band for that year.
You can browse a listing of all Virginia Honor Bands on the VBODA website.