2026 Freedom Showcase

VMBC Freedom Showcase

Presented by the Spirit of Freedom Marching Band and the Freedom High School Band Boosters

September 19th

About the Event

Welcome to the Virginia Marching Band Cooperative Freedom Showcase, an annual marching band competition hosted by the Freedom High School Marching Band. This event features performances from high school marching bands across the region competing for awards in music, visual presentation, and overall performance.

We have 16 bands competing today, and each performance is the result of countless hours of planning, practice, and hard work.

None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors, local businesses, the South Riding community, and Freedom High School’s faculty and staff, led by Band Director Jonathan Schiffler and Principal Tania N. Brown. The FHS Band Boosters thanks every adult and student volunteer for their tireless work and dedication to our kids and our band programs.

Visitor Information

Admission

Adult (ages 12+)

$12

Seniors (ages 60+)

$6

Youth (ages 5-11)

$6

Under 5 free

* All proceeds support the Freedom Marching Band

Code of Conduct

Please Do

  • Cheer for all bands
  • Silence your phone
  • Send AirGrams to the participants
  • Visit Concessions
  • Support our Sponsors
  • Enjoy the day!

Please Don't

  • Enter or leave during a performance
  • Obstruct others' view
  • Make negative comments (you never know who is within earshot)
  • Forget that everyone is doing their best to make this a great day for all!

AirGrams

Send an over-the-loudspeaker shout out to your favorite marcher, director, or friend!

Pricing

$3 per message

$5 for 2 messages

How to Order

  • Visit the AirGrams table near the entrance of the stadium
  • Place your order at least 30 minutes before your preferred timing
  • Payment accepted: Cash, Credit Cards, Venmo, and PayPal

Adjudicators

Ensemble Music
Chris Martin
Individual Music
Jerry Philp
Ensemble Visual
Andrew Barberi
Individual Visual
Jason Derting
GE Music
David Shives
GE Visual
Doug Casteen
Color Guard
David Eger
Percussion
Michael Kirby
How are groups judged?

Senior Class of 2027

We celebrate and honor the graduating seniors of the Spirit of Freedom Marching Band:

Vandan Ayyalapu (Tuba)
Ananta Bajpai (Front Ensemble)
Jon Cattafesta (Baritone)
Jenny Chen (Clarinet)
Mercedes Chin (Drum Major)
Anisha Dadhich (Front Ensemble)
Bea Elliott (Head Drum Major)
Alisia Gomolka (Colorguard)
Anisha Javaji (Flute)
Abby Kamon (Baritone)
Jason Keffer (Baritone)
Aparna Kumar (Flute)
Mackenzie Lee (Battery)
Shritej Mamidala (Clarinet)
Suhasini Mummidi (Trumpet)
Sean Owellen (Clarinet)
Anthony Pham (Clarinet)
Adithi Pillai (Colorguard)
Tanush Prattipati (Mellophone)
Melanie Ryan (Front Ensemble)
Ava Schwinn (Colorguard)
Atharv Singh (Battery)
Odin Sterling (Baritone)
Tal Sterling (Trumpet)
Olivia Talton (Battery)
Diane Vijay (Flute)
Ryan Wang (Clarinet)
Evan Washington (Tuba)
Kaitlyn Wilhelm (Tuba)
Darren Zhang (Baritone)

Freedom HS Band Boosters

Executive Board

  • Janelle Irrgang - President
  • Laura McGarry - VP Operations
  • JongSun Lee - VP Logistics
  • Catalina Gomoloka - VP Colorguard
  • Matt McGarry and Rachael Bingham - VP Drumline
  • James Gould - Treasurer
  • Becky Wilhelm - Secretary

Showcase Coordinators

Setup/Takedown - Manny Ramirez
Parking - James Irrgang
Band Registration - Kristen Fegan
Hydration Station - Erin Sterling
Hospitality - Kristen Keffer and Katie Chapin
Concessions - Becky and Dan Wilhelm
Volunteer Check-in - Catalina Gomolka
Ticket Sales - Maria Ryan
Air Grams - Megan Jacoby
Ushers & Stadium Helpers - Jay Herrera
Band Entrance Gate - Mike Cattafesta
Runners - Laura and Matt McGarry
Pit Crew - Rachael Bingham and Matt McGarry
Prop Crew - JongSun Lee
Finance Manager - James Gould