History of the Marching Hornets

The Surrattsville High School (SHS) Marching Hornets, under the direction of Mrs. Valerie C. Dent, is the first high stepping Marching Band in the history of the school. Beginning in 1997 with only 55 members, today we have grown to over 125 enthusiastic members. Currently, the band is comprised of 129 members and our uniforms are our school colors consisting of solid green pants and jackets accented with white stripes and gold trimming. Our ever growing percussion section, under the direction of Mr. Kenneth Dent, has a sound that surpasses any other drumline in the area. Within the instrumentalists, the band is also comprised of the Jade Elegance Banners, the Emerald Essence Dancers, and the Flaming Foxy Flags under the direction of Mrs. Paulette Gaines, Mrs. April Edwards, and Ms. Kendra Brown.

Our most memorable performance was our invitation from Carnival Lines Cruse Ship to perform at their Performing Arts Music Festival at Sea in Nassau, Bahamas. Our performance was enjoyed by thousands of vacationers as they traveled to the Bahamas. During calendar year 2008 we competed in Virginia State University's and Livingstone University's Homecoming Parade and High School Band Competitions taking 1st place from all competitors in both events.

We have set the standard for other high school bands in our area to immolate and have rapidly become a widely recognized group of musicians. Our highly competitive demeanor sets us apart from other bands we have competed against, which has resulted in numerious personal requests for us to perform at various events locally and abroad. Our band is truly remarkable and our contribution to the community demonstrates how leadership, hard work, dedication, and discipline set the pace for other bands to follow.

PERFORMANCES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2009-2010

2008-2009

• Coppin State University Marching Band Performance, 2^nd Annual Battle of the High School Bands Grand Champion's Award, 2^nd Place Drum Major, 2^nd Place Percussion, 2^nd Place Ballad, 3^rd Place Music Intonation [Baltimore, MD] 
• SHS Girls Basketball Game State Championship [UMBC], Pep Band 
• Advanced Concert Band Festival, Excellent Rating
• SHS Girls Basketball Game State Finals [UMBC], Pep Band
• Intermediate Concert Band Festival, Excellent Rating 
• Benjamin Flouis Elementary School MSA Pep Rally Performance 
• Black History Honor Roll Assembly Performance
• Prince George's County Solo and Ensemble Festival, 4 Performances with Superior Rating and 2 Performances with Excellent Rating 
• SHS Winter Concert Performance 
• SHS vs. Crossland Home Game
• Benjamin Flouis Elementary School Renaissance Program Performance 
• Virginia State University Homecoming Parade Performance and Band Compeition, 1^st Place Band Homecoming Parade [Petersburg, VA] 
• Livingstone College Homecoming Parade Performance and Band Compeititon, 1^st Place Overall Winner and 1^st Place President's Choice Award [Salisbury, NC]
• Prince George's County Marching Band Showcase [Beltsville, MD] 
• Prince George's County 5^th Annual Battle of the Bands [College Park, MD] 
• SHS Homecoming Parade and Half Time Performance
• SHS Homecoming Game vs. Frederick Douglas
• SHS Home Game vs. Potomac
• SHS Home Game vs. Saint Johns
• SHS Back to School Night
• SHS Freshman Orientation
• SHS Band Camp

2007-2008

• Special Olympics [Clinton, MD]
• Magic Music Disney Days Performance Festival [Orlando, FL] 
• Help the Homeless Walk-a-thon [Washington, DC]
• SHS Homecoming Parade and Half Time Performance [Clinton, MD]
• Virginia State University Homecoming Parade and Band Competition [Petersburg, VA]
• Prince George's County Marching Band Showcase [Beltsville, MD]
• North Carolina Central University Homecoming Parade
• Prince George's County Battle of the Bands [College Park, MD]

2006

• Performing Arts Festival Bahamas Cruise, 1^st place 
• Prince George's County Marching Band Showcase
• SHS Homecoming Parade and Half Time Performance [Clinton, MD]
• Stephen Decatur Middle School Performance [Clinton, MD]
• Melwood Elementary School Performance [Clinton, MD]
• Huguenot High School Competition
• Delaware Sussex Central High School Performance

2005

• Morgan State University Homecoming Parade Competition, 2^nd Place [Baltimore, MD]

2004

• Disney Festival [Orlando, FL]
• Howard University Homecoming Parade & Hig Stepping Competition, 1^st Place [Washington, DC]
• Virginia State University Homecoming Parade and Band Competition, 2^nd Place [Petersburg, VA]

2003

• Dsney Music Festival, 1^st Place [Orlando, FL]
• The Original Battle of the Bands RFK Stadium [Washington, DC]
• Virginia State University Homecoming Parade [Petersburg, VA]

2002

• Renaissance Festival [Clinton, MD]
• Azalea Festival, 3^rd Place [Norfolk, VA]
• Virginia State University Band Competition, 2^nd Place 
• Virginia State University Homecoming Parade

2001

• Special Olympics [Clinton, MD]
• Apple Blossom Grand Feature Parade, 5th Place [Winchester, VA]

2000

• Special Olympics [Clinton, MD]
• Disney's Millennium Celebration [Orlando, FL]
• Renaissance Festival [Clinton, MD]

1999

• Pre-Game Show in Virginia State University
• Special Olympics [Clinton, MD]
• Renaissance Festival [Clinton, MD]
• High School Band Competition, 2nd Place

1998

• Special Olympics [Clinton, MD]
• Renaissance Festival [Clinton, MD]
• Apple Blossom, 4th Place - Drum Major Award [Winchester, VA]
• Leesburg Christmas Festival Parade [Leesburg, VA]