Music Programs
McLean's band program is currently conducted by Chris Weise, who took over direction of the band at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year. Jim Kirchenbauer, who had been the conductor since 1982, was forced to step down from his position early because of serious health concerns. Under Mr. Kirchenbauer, the McLean band was awarded many honors, such as the Sudler Flag of Honor, an award granted by the John Phillip Sousa Foundation for consistent superior musical performance, in 2000. The band also traveled to the Midwest Clinic in 2006, one of the most prestigious performances a high school band can achieve. McLean High School also has a marching band. In 2005, band students put together a McLean Pep Band to play at away games.
McLean's Choral program is currently conducted by Linda Martin. Under Martin, the McLean chorus is ranked 9th in the nation as of 2009, the only non-performing arts school in the top 10. Chorus has also received many high-level awards and honors at local and national competitions. The chorus program consists of four separate choruses: Women's, Men's, Armonia, and the Madrigals.
The McLean Orchestra program is currently conducted by Katie LaBrie. It consists of three separate groups of string musicians: Concert, Symphonic and Chamber Orchestras. McLean belongs to District XII of the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association. McLean Chamber Orchestra has participated in a musical exchange program with a sister school located in Detmold, Germany for the past 17 years. In alternating years, musicians from the Grabbe Gymnasium travel to McLean and collaborate on a joint concert; McLean Chamber musicians travel to Detmold for a similar experience with their German counterparts.
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