WHEREAS, the Fauquier High School Falcon Marching Band, renowned for its superior sound and marching proficiency, placed tenth in the nation in the 2011 United States Scholastic Band Association National Championship for Open Class Bands; and

WHEREAS, bands selected from a pool of applicants traveled from across the nation to the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, for the United States Scholastic Band Association (now known as USBands) competition held November 12, 2011; and

WHEREAS, the 2011 United States Scholastic Band Association National Championship marked the second consecutive year that the Fauquier County High School Falcon Marching Band had been selected to participate in the prestigious competition; and

WHEREAS, the 2011 competition was also the second year in a row that the Fauquier County High School Falcon Marching Band competed against other bands in "Open Class"; and

WHEREAS, "Open Class," a highly competitive series of events, provides an increased level of challenge for more experienced programs than the "A" series, in which the Fauquier County High School Falcon Marching Band had competed from 2004 to 2009 and in which it had captured the national championship in 2009; and

WHEREAS, one of the nation's top marching bands, the Fauquier County High School Falcon Marching Band has brought national acclaim to Fauquier County High School, while band members have gained invaluable experience and earned well-deserved accolades; and

WHEREAS, the memorable performance of the Fauquier County High School Falcon Marching Band was a result of countless hours of practice, the dedication and talent of team members, and expert direction from Fauquier County High School band director Andrew Paul; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Fauquier High School Falcon Marching Band on placing tenth in the nation in the 2011 United States Scholastic Band Association National Championship for Open Class Bands; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Fauquier High School Falcon Marching Band as an expression of the General Assembly's congratulations and appreciation for the band's outstanding performance.