Central High School band to compete in national competition

FRESNO, Calif. -- A local high school band is preparing to head across the country in hopes of taking gold against schools from across the country.

Central High School's wind ensemble will be heading to Washington D.C. on Thursday to compete in the Festival of Gold. The ensemble has been busy rehearsing their set for several months, after taking first place in the Heritage Festival in Seattle last year. That competition earned them a chance to compete on the national stage.

Students say that experience was amazing., but going to the Festival of Gold is even more exciting.

The students have a few days to take in the sites in Washington D.C. and squeeze in a few more rehearsals before taking the stage on Monday at the Strathmore Music Center. If they take first, they'll be invited back for an encore performance later that night.