WHEREAS, the McLean High School band of Fairfax County was awarded the 2017 Sudler Flag of Honor, the most prestigious award for high school concert bands in the United States; and

WHEREAS, presented by the John Philip Sousa Foundation, the Sudler Flag of Honor is reserved for bands, such as the McLean High School band, that have demonstrated sustained excellence in concert activities over a period of several years; and

WHEREAS, fewer than 100 high schools have earned the Sudler Flag of Honor since its creation in 1983; the McLean High School band is now one of the few school bands to have won it twice, having previously received the award in 2000; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of director of bands Chris Weise and associate director of bands Deidra Denson, the McLean High School band has built on a proud tradition of musical excellence and has consistently delighted audiences; and

WHEREAS, with their hard work, discipline, and impressive talent, the musicians of the McLean High School band serve as outstanding role models for school music programs across the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the McLean High School band on receiving the 2017 Sudler Flag of Honor from the John Philip Sousa Foundation; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Chris Weise, director of the McLean High School band, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the program's remarkable accomplishments and best wishes for continued success.