Events Overview

Events Overview

The NSHS Band program offers opportunities to perform in the following ensembles: Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and the Big Blue Marching Band. 

2025-26 BIG BLUE MARCHING BAND PERFORMANCES

(This calendar does not include Away Football games.)


WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10  6:00pm
    Friends & Family Performance
    NSHS Band Practice lot

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12   7:00pm
   Home Game vs Gar-Field HS - Halftime Show

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
    Competition: Kettle Run HS
    Morning Competition

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
    **NSHS BIG BLUE INVITATIONAL**

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3   7:00pm
    Home Game vs Brooke Point HS - Halftime Show

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11    7:00pm
    Competition: Stafford HS Marching Band Showcase

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15  7:00pm
    Homecoming Bonfire


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17    7:00pm
    Home Game vs Mountain View HS - Halftime Show *HOMECOMING*
    *Varsity Football Game Volunteer Signup

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
    VBODA Marching Assessment - Massaponax HS | 3:30pm
    Competition: Tallwood Invitational - VA Beach | 8:00pm
    *Big Blue Performances Volunteer Signup

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31  7:00pm
    Home Game vs Stafford HS - Halftime Show *SENIOR NIGHT*
    *Varsity Football Game Volunteer Signup

Monday, November 3   5:00pm
    BAND TOGETHER TO FIGHT HUNGER
    Mountain View HS
    *Big Blue Performances Volunteer Signup

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6   3:00pm
    Fredericksburg Christmas Parade

SATURDAY, MAY 2   9:00am - 6:00pm
    Shenandoah Apple Blossom Parade   **possible event

NSHS student musicians perform throughout the year in our various instrumental ensembles: Wind Ensemble, Symphonic/Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble. Concerts are held both at NSHS and in performance venues throughout the community.


2025-26 PERFORMANCES


NSHS FALL COMBINED CONCERT
Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 7pm
NSHS Auditorium
Wind Ensemble, Symphonic/Concert Band

WINTER BAND CONCERT
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 7pm
NSHS Auditorium
Wind Ensemble, Symphonic/Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble

VBODA BAND ASSESSMENT
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, or Thursday, March 12, 2026
Ensemble times TBA
Massaponax HS
Wind Ensemble, Symphonic/Concert Band

SOLO & ENSEMBLE
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Colonial Forge HS
Solo & small ensemble performance/assessment opportunity for all Band students

RECITAL HOUR - 2025 Arts Festival
Sunday, April 26, 2026, time TBA
Colonial Forge HS Theater
Auditioned solo/small ensemble performance opportunity

DISTRICT XV JAZZ ASSESSMENT
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 time TBA
Courtland HS
Jazz Ensemble

SPRING BAND CONCERT
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 7pm
NSHS Auditorium
Wind Ensemble, Symphonic/Concert Band

SPRING JAZZ & PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE CONCERT
Thursday, May 7, 2026, 7pm
NSHS Auditorium
Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble

NSHS GRADUATION
Friday, May 29, 2026 Band Call Time 6:00am
8:30am Event - Livestream link
NSHS A.J. Slye Memorial Football Stadium
ALL 9th-11th gr Wind Ensemble, Symphonic/Concert Band students

Each year our students have the opportunity to audition for the SCPS All-County Band and the District XV Band. Students who receive top placement in the All District ensemble may be eligible to audition for All-VA Band and/or All-VA Orchestra. Additional honor ensemble opportunities may be provided to students by the Director.


2025-26 AUDITIONED EVENTS


All-County Auditions: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at CFHS
--Registration/Audition times TBA
All-County Event: Friday-Saturday, January 9-10, 2026 at NSHS
--Concert time TBA, NSHS Auditorium


All-District Auditions: Saturday, December 13, 2025 at CFHS
--Registration/Audition times TBA
All-District Event: Friday-Saturday, February 6-7, 2026 at King George HS
District XV 2025 Audition Materials (for reference)
*District Band 2025 Audition Results*

Virginia Tech Honor Band Festival: January 23-25, 2026
Shenandoah University Mid-Atlantic Honor Band: January 30-February 1, 2026

All-VA Band Auditions: Saturday, February 28, 2026 at JMU
All-VA Band Event: April 16-18, 2026 at Richmond Convention Center
2025 All-VA Audition information (for reference)

Solo & Ensemble: Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Colonial Forge HS

Recital Hour - 2026 Arts Festival: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Colonial Forge HS Theater, time TBA
Auditioned solo/small ensemble performance opportunity

43rd Annual North Stafford Big Blue Invitational
Saturday, September 27, 2025

A.J.Slye Memorial Football Stadium
North Stafford High School

The Big Blue Invitational is one of Virginia’s longest running band competitions. Marching bands from all over the state come to compete every year. Judges for this event include retired directors with wide-ranging experience, university music educators, and world-class DCI staff.

Concessions, raffles, shout-outs, fan favorites, and full-color digital programs will be available.

$10 General Admission at the gate

Big Blue Invitational Page