Chantilly High senior Mari Takeda has an extra-special reason to look forward to the holidays. On Jan. 3, 2015, she’ll join an elite group of musicians who’ll perform at halftime of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas.

A percussionist, Takeda, 17 was selected to be part of the 2015 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. That honor also recognizes her as one of the top 125 high-school senior marching musicians and color-guard members in the country. And on Oct. 29, she received her official invitation from four Army members during a ceremony at her school.

“It’s amazing to be recognized at this high a level; I didn’t expect it,” she said. “But I think it’s great for them to provide this opportunity.”

In front of her fellow band members, Staff Sgt. Joshua Smith said those chosen for this honor must possess exceptional musicianship, character, achievement and leadership. “It takes a special person to wear the Army colors, and their loyalty, dedication to duty, self-respect, integrity and personal strength earned them [this] right,” he said. “Mari embodies these characteristics and we’re proud to welcome her to the band.”

“I couldn’t have achieved this great honor without the strong support from my friends, family and teachers,” said Takeda. She then thanked Chantilly Band Directors Doug Maloney and Chris Singleton, plus former band Director Drew Ross, “for pushing the band to its limit and helping us realize the potential in the band and in ourselves.”

She also thanked her private teachers, P.J. Fadoul and John Kilkenny, and her parents “for encouraging me to follow my passion. Being in band has been life-changing — from meeting inspiring people to experiencing the beauty of music, itself.” Takeda noted that, after seeing her older brother Yoshi perform the show, “Sandscapes,” with Chantilly’s marching band, a few years ago, she “instantly knew” she wanted to be part of it.

“Worthwhile things only come from hard work,” said Maloney. “[And] Mari’s industrious nature certainly served as a cornerstone for each of her musical successes. She’s the epitome of someone who eats, sleeps and breathes music — [whether] she’s practicing the marimba outside, rehearsing with our Symphonic Winds or working on percussion rudiments to improve her musical precision and expression.”

When Takeda’s not busy rehearsing with the marching band, said Maloney, she’s giving private instruction to elementary-school percussionists, preparing for auditions or performing with ensembles such as the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.

“Mari, we’re so blessed to have you as a member of the Chantilly Band,” he said. “We’re incredibly proud of your well-deserved recognition. We can’t wait to see you perform in January and we’re even more excited to see where your passion, talent and dedication carry you in your future musical endeavors.”

A resident of the Chantilly Highlands community, Takeda played violin three years before switching to percussion to try something different. “When I heard a marimba for the first time, I knew I wanted to play it — I loved the sound,” she said.

Besides performing all four years with Chantilly’s marching band, she’s also part of the American Youth Symphonic Orchestra in Alexandria and the Peabody Youth Orchestra in Baltimore. She’s applied to several prestigious colleges and wants to major in music performance and eventually become a professional chamber or orchestral musician.

Percussion’s much more than just drums, said Takeda. “There’s now a huge emphasis on marching percussion and drumline, and that’s opened up more opportunities for people to play percussion,” she said. “This school really supports its marching arts, so I’m proud to be part of it.”

At Chantilly, she said, “I realized the importance of time and how long you have with each person — whether it’s a teacher or a best friend in marching band — and to treasure that time before moving on to college. Marching band had a really successful year and a successful Bands of America competition, and everyone in the band is proud of what we achieved.”

Takeda applied for the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band in May, sent three audition tapes and was nominated by Maloney. About 2,000 students applied and the National Assn. for Music Education selected the All-Americans. “I had no idea if I’d make it, but I knew it was an awesome program.”

She found out in July. “I was really excited and immediately called Gabe Luebbe, who’s my best friend and who got it last year,” she said. “But I couldn’t tell anyone else officially — no social media — until the presentation.” At that time, she received an “Army Strong” cap, All-American Marching Band jacket, a plaque and an official invitation.

Takeda’s already begun practicing the music — an entire, 10-minute show. “It’s pretty surreal to know I’m going to San Antonio to meet other All-Americans, and we’ll all be there with the same attitude and skill level,” she said. “And being brought together for one week will be an amazing experience. It’ll definitely be a trip I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”