Battlefield’s band marches to plenty of honors

By Bennie Scarton Jr.

Published: October 6, 2008

One hundred outstanding awards and counting.

That's how many grand champion, first place and 'best of' titles have been won by the Battlefield High School "Marching Bobcats" Band of Haymarket.

That total would be an exceptional achievement for any longstanding school. However, the Battlefield band—and school—are less than five years old.

One of only two bands in the state that has been named an honor band in each year of its existence, it has gained a reputation as one of the state's best, achieving tremendous success in a short period of time.

It has appeared at both the 2008 Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans and the 2006 Toyota Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, and has become the band to beat at competitions, gaining the respect of band directors around the state.

When the school first opened, the band was made up of about 32 freshmen, seven sophomores and two juniors. There were no seniors.

It has now grown to 110 members.

Each year, the goal of the band is to earn a "superior" rating (I) at the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association marching festival and each year the band has gone above and beyond goal, filling its trophy case with awards.

While much of the credit must go to director Matthew Brodt, he said none of the honors would be possible without the generous support and hard work he receives from the students and community. All the awards don't come easy.

"We are never complacent. We listen to the recommendations made by the judges at the competitions and always strive to improve," Brodt said.

The band members are put through 13-hour days at band camp before school starts, memorizing music, memorizing drills, improving on marching performances and working as a unit.

After school hours, the band practices about seven hours a week to prepare them for competitions, halftime performances at football games and parades. The theme for the halftime shows this year is "West Side Story."

While trophies and accomplishments are nice, the best part about being in the band is having a great time.

"We are all very happy ... having a lot of fun," said head drum major Devon Shaw, a senior. "We are always dedicated to taking the next step up."

Brandon Malley, assistant drum major, said, "I believe the secret to our success is that we listen to our director and we all work together. Our high energy and intensity really turns the crowds on."

Parent Melanie Gardner, whose son David plays in the drum line, said, "All the parents are really proud of the band. Despite the band's many awards, they are still very humble. The students love to play their mu-sic."

Phyllis Cooke, whose son Keegan is a saxophone player in the band, agreed. "I have always found them to process incredibly good sportsmanship. Brodt has instilled discipline and self-pride in them," she said.

She and other members are selling a book, "Attractions Dining and Value Guide," as a fundraiser for the band. It contains coupons for local restaurants and entertainment.

Brodt oversees not only the marching band but the concert bands, jazz band and percussion ensemble.

Before coming to Battlefield, he was the director of bands at Potomac High School for five years, where he also earned local, state and national recognition and awards.

Brodt has a bachelor's degree from Shenandoah University, with an emphasis in instrumental education and a performance certificate in trumpet. He has played with the Bethlehem American Legion Band, Maryland Symphony, Riverside Wind Symphony and Nazareth Community Band and is the associate conductor and performer with the Prince William Community Band. He is also a freelance performer and has played numerous weddings, musicals and operas throughout Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.

A resident of Nokesville with his wife, Alicia, who is also an active music director, Brodt is proud to say he is a fifth-generation band director.

Brodt provides a Director's Award each year from the band. The recipient is chosen for pride, character, integrity, leadership service to the band and must have a 3.0 GPA. They have been Danielle Hettmann, 2004-05; Robert Ford, 2005-06; Sarah Son, 2006-07; and Miranda and Melissa Shaver, 2007-08. 

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.