The school year has barely started and already Fairfax High’s Marching Rebels band is winning top honors for its musicianship and showmanship in competitions against other schools. On Sept. 16 at the Bands of America event in Monroe, Pa., the Rebels came in first in their class and third overall, out of 13 bands.

Then on Sept. 28, at the Virginia Showcase of Bands at Herndon High, Fairfax placed first in its class and first overall out of 16 bands. Next stop is the Bands of America competition, Oct. 19, at JMU, where Fairfax will compete against 45 other bands.