Music at South Lakes High School

South Lakes High School, opened in 1977, has over three decades of musical excellence experience. The band program has captured and continues to capture superior ratings and first place finishes at events across the United States.

South Lakes High School was the first school in Fairfax County to receive the prestigious Sudler Flag of Honor. The Sudler Flag, earned under the direction of Brad Draeger, recognizes high school band programs for outstanding work in jazz, concert and marching band. Approximately 100 bands have earned this award across the United States. Mr. Draeger’s national performances include the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago and the MENC National Conference in Los Angeles.

Since 1999, the band has been under the direction of Grayson Fore. In his first year at South Lakes Mr. Fore reestablished the jazz program and instituted small ensembles. In his second year he reestablished the flag corps and brought the Marching Seahawks back to competitive marching. Since 2000, the Marching Seahawks have captured numerous awards in local marching band competitions including the 2006 USSBA Virginia State Championship and they were a BOA Regional Finalist at the North Huntingdon Regional in 2011. The concert bands have been very active in earning district, regional, All-State and national honors. 

SLHS Band National Recognition:
  • 2020 Invited to perform in the National Concert Band Festival, Indianapolis as one of only 16 bands in the nation to play, but due to Covid-19 the performance was cancelled
  • 2017 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade, Honolulu, Hawaii (one of 8 bands selected from across the nation)
  • 2015, 2016 & 2017 US Army All American Marching Band Honorees
  • 2012 National Concert Band Festival, Indianapolis, Indiana (one of 14 bands selected from across the nation)
  • 2012 BOA Regional Finalist at North Huntingdon, PA Marching Band Competition
  • 2009 Performance at Carnegie Hall, New York
  • 2009 Performance for the Virginia State School Board Association
  • 2007 Performance at National Concert Band Festival, Indianapolis​ (1 of 17 bands selected and only band from VA, SLHS was also selected in 1997)
  • 2006 USSBA State Marching Band Champions Class AA
  • 2006 Performance at Kennedy Center for DC Wind Band Invitational
  • 2005 Pit Orchestra Nominated for a Cappie for Best Pit Orchestra in DC/Metro Area
South Lakes provides students with a high-quality music education. The International Baccalaureate program offers a rigorous two-year theory and history program which, along with the band program, has enabled our graduates the opportunity to pursue music studies at schools such as Eastman School of Music, New England Conservatory of Music, MIT, Princeton and Julliard.

The South Lakes band students and staff wouldn’t be as successful as they are today without the help and support from Principal Kim Retzer, the South Lakes faculty and administration, parents, and Band Boosters. 

The Band Boosters conduct fundraising to meet the needs of the band program and countless hours of volunteer support ranging from uniform maintenance, providing refreshments and logistical support moving the band. 

The Band Is Part of The Community

The South Lakes Band is active in the Reston community with
performances and events throughout the area, including:

• Home football game halftime performances
• Homecoming parade
• Marching band competitions
• Reston Holiday Parade at Thanksgiving
• SLHS Graduation
• Performances at local elementary schools
• Instrument demonstration for 4th-6th grade students
• Participation in pit orchestra for the spring musical
• Winter and spring concerts
• Jazz band performances
• Fundraising events such as Tag Day and Citrus Sale

Honor Band

The South Lakes band sponsors the Reston Area Honor Band which is a group of fifth and sixth grade students from the elementary schools in the South Lakes Pyramid. This honors group meets on Monday afternoons in the SLHS band room. SLHS band members help mentor younger students and work to create positive bonds between the elementary and high school levels. 

Giving Back

Each year, the South Lakes band conducts its annual citrus sale and during this sale the band solicits donations of fruit for the Embry Rucker Shelter. Band members also volunteer with Honor Flights at Dulles and Reagan National airports, performing patriotic music to welcome veterans arriving and/or departing from their special day. 

The Spirit of Reston Marching Band performs annually at the Reston Town Center Holiday Parade. The Pep Band performs at football playoff games, select basketball games and other athletic events. Band members are frequently invited and perform at local community events such as Founder's Day, the Reston Swim Team Association Individual Medley meet, and the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party.