BY DAYAMI VILORIA
Social Media Director
The Marching Knights completed a memorable season, finishing with many victories and highlights. On November 8, the Knights won the US Bands Bands Group I Open State Championship and earned wins for Best Music, Best Visual, and Best Percussion.
For the first time in 13 years, the Knights won the National Championship by earning a score of 93.8. “It was so exciting. I have never been happier or prouder in my life,” said marimba player Ashleigh Leon. “It was a huge achievement, and I cried for hours.”
The band maintained an upbeat and optimistic attitude throughout the competition. “During the championship we kept a positive mindset and energy going into the performance and put our all into the final run-through,” said mellophone player Sophia Pavon.
Band members joined together to earn such a significant win. “the atmosphere of the bandmates after the big win is a big burst of excitement, as the senior and junior marching band members didn’t get 1st place for some time,” said clarinet player Evan Chuah. “The newer members get a win in their 1st season.”
Apart from the championship win, the Knights earned a score of 99.9 for Best Percussion. “I’ve messed up a few times during our state competitins,” said synth player Faith Okoko. “To have a perfect run for our national competition and have our score reflect all our hard work made me ecstatic.
All the band’s work and efforts paid off in the championship competition. “Each practice was meant to make us better than the last, so our focus was to make as much positive progress and to retain it throughout each performance to make sure our competitions represented the work we’ve accomplished,” said Pavon.
The Marching Knights finished a historical season. “It felt incredibly rewarding. We haven’t won a national in 13 years, and to break that streak just makes it even more rewarding,” said baritone and trombone player Heather Boelhower.
Posted on December 4, 2025
Photos by Analise Sainvil
Knight Life 