The Denver North High School Marching Band won top honors earlier this month (May 1-4) at the National Music in the Parks Festival at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California. This week, the community will have a chance to hear the award-winning show when the band performs Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m. in the North High School auditorium.

The band took first place in the marching band category at the California festival with an excellent musical rating. The band was also awarded the overall top award of the festival called the "Espirit De Corps" Award.

The 68-member group took a 22-hour bus ride to Hollywood, California to compete with 30 other musical ensembles from around the United States.

"This really is an honor, and these kids deserve these awards," said Doreen Tafoya, staff assistant for the band.

The triumph is a great ending to a successful year for the North High School band, including the first place trophy in the Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade, a performance in the Englewood Holiday Parade, and the lead unit in the Stock Show Parade.

The Band is directed by Daniel Cevallos. Drum Majors for this group are Pete Tafoya and Jason DeHerrera.

For more information about the Denver North High School Marching Band, please call Daniel Cevallos, Director of Bands at 303-964-2793. North High School is located at 2960 N. Speer Blvd.