or eventually receiving certification for employment. Performing and visual arts Marin School of the Arts (MSA) has many notable programs, including Dance, Theater, Musical Theater, Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Film, and a music program that includes 3 jazz bands, a concert band, a symphonic band, and chamber and rock groups. Jazz and music studies is currently headed by Grammy nominated musician, Dr Greg Johnson. The Rock Band program is run by Scott Thunes, bassist for Frank Zappa. MSA was founded in 2003 by Mark Peabody. Athletics Novato competes in the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL). Novato is a member of the North Coast Section(NCS) of the California Interscholastic Federation. Lacrosse The girls' lacrosse program has won both the MCAL and NCS (division 1) title four years in a row, spanning from 2015 to 2018. The program has been dominant with an overall record of 95–5 in these four years. In the early 2010s, the team petitioned to play up in the strongest division of the NCS (division 1) for all four of these championships. The 2016 team was undefeated and ranked #24 nationally. The team's national presence increased in 2017, the team was ranked #12 in the nation and #2 in California. By 2018, the teams’ national ranking increased to #8 and topped the 4-peat off with a #1 overall ranking in the state. The boys' lacrosse program has won three (MCAL) county championships, once in 2005 and again in 2011, and once more in 2013. In 2013, they went on to go to the NCS final, where they once again met Redwood, this time in the championship, where they lost. Both the Boys' and Girls' programs have Varsity and JV teams. Football The Hornets football program went to six NCS Division 2A/3 championships in 7 years, winning in 2002, 2005, 2006 & 2007. On Dec. 9th, 2007, the varsity football team was elected to play in California's Div. II State Championship in Carson, CA. Novato lost to Oceanside of San Diego, 28–14 after a significant loss of their quarterback due to leg injury. Novato's most recent notable season for varsity was 2014 as they were crowned MCAL champions. 2017 is the most notable for Junior Varsity as they went 7–2, winning the first Novato City Football Championship for NHS at any level in 3 years. Novato has not had a freshman team since 2015, yet won the Freshman MCAL