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Valley Forge Instrumental Music...

Program Overview

The Valley Forge Band Program has had a tremendous year. We invite you to take a moment and read the following information about the Valley Forge Band Program and what we have to offer for the next school year. After reading the following information, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call the VFHS band office, or email at: INFO@vfbands.com for answers to your questions.

What is the Valley Forge HS band program?

The band program consists of:

Consistent Programs:

Marching Band (Fall Season)

Concert Band (November-June)

Symphonic Band (November-June)

Jazz Ensemble (October – June)

Optional Programs, determined each year:

Jazz Workshop

Jazz Combo

Winter Guard

Winter Drumline

Marching Band
Marching Band is considered Co-curricular and almost every member of the Valley Forge Band Program including the new Dance/Flag line. Exceptions are made for Varsity Football and Varsity Cheerleading. The Marching Band is very active in the fall with Friday night football games and many opportunities to see and compete with other bands from around Ohio and the country on Saturdays. The VFMB was pleased to enter the Bands of America competition circuit in 1998 and performed with respect at the Grand National Championships in November 2000 and 2002.We were honored to perform in 2008 for the Central Ohio holiday parade of lights and look forward to having many other opportunities of the like. All Students register for Concert Band and Marching Band takes place during the first marking period.

Our mission:
The Valley Forge Marching Band Program is a co-curricular organization dedicated to the development of self-esteem and self-reliance. It encourages team work, sportsmanship, civic pride and contributions of one's personal best to a group effort. These lessons are learned through a musical and marching activity in which there is a blending of the arts and athletics.

Percussion Segment
This segment of the Marching Band has additional responsibilities and rehearsals in addition to the Marching Band schedule. Due to the nature of the percussion segment, additional staff is hired to work with the students during the summer months and season. It is our hope to evolve this segment into a formal Concert Percussion Ensemble that rehearses and performs throughout the year. Winter Drumline can evolve from this group, but is also open to anyone with interest/ability.

Colorguard
This Dance/Flag line is the visual group that greatly enhances the marching band. Members are instructed by professional staff in the skills of dance, marching and equipment (flags) work. Additional rehearsals in addition to the Marching Band schedule are agreed upon once members have been selected. Members of the Colorguard are also members of the marching band and take part in all performances and rehearsals. Please read all of the information regarding marching band as it directly relates to all members of the Colorguard. Non-musicians register for Auxiliary Corps, those who also play an instrument register for Concert Band. Clinics and Tryouts are held in March. Winter guard can evolve from this group, but is also open to anyone with interest/ability.

The “Summer Band program
is a chance for incoming new members to experience the marching band program in a fun and low-pressure environment. We run a one week session for all students the final result of which is the Parma July 4^th parade and our annual Cedar Point performance and fun day. All three high schools participate in the summer events together. Bring anything you might need to play your instrument. Music will be provided and information will be passed out. Guard members and all percussionists need to attend. This program is required for members unless your family has scheduled vacation plans at this time. Information will be provided in April of the previous school year. Graduated Seniors are invited to join us “one more time”!!!

August Band Camp
is the two week session prior to the start of school where we learn field marching, a Pre-Game Show, 1-3 half-time shows, and the Competition Show to perform at Festivals and Competitions. Fun and exciting social activities are also planned into this session, so that the Band Family can get acquainted!!

Jazz Program:

Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble is an incredible group that explores all styles of Jazz. This group meets after school 2 days per week beginning in October. Membership in this group is by audition only. Members can expect to learn advanced literature, improvisation, and soloing. Practicing outside of rehearsals is required in order to keep up with this fast paced ensemble. Members can also expect to perform around the Greater Cleveland area, at local schools, as well as participate in various Jazz Festivals.

Jazz Workshop
is open to anyone wishing to play and learn about jazz. When spots in Jazz I open up, members of Jazz II are auditioned to fill them. This group meets 1-2 times per week beginning in October.

Concert Season:

Concert Band
All marching band members automatically qualify for Concert Band. Members of the Concert Band can expect to practice outside of class as part of their grade, and be required to attend three band concerts, district contest, and solo/ensemble. Lessons are highly recommended for participation, but not required.

Symphonic Band
Membership in this ensemble is by audition near the end of Marching season. This ensemble consists of the elite players of the VFHS band program and maturity, attitude, and ability are key components of participation in this ensemble. Private lessons are highly recommended. Members are required to participate in three to four school concerts, district contest, solo/ensemble, and other band festivals held around the area.

Special Ensembles:
These special ensembles run the length of Concert Season. These are primarily student run groups that perform at special events throughout the school year. These include: Flute Choir, Saxophone Ensemble, Brass quintet and others. Some common questions that incoming members have:

"I hear the marching band is hard. How will I ever be able to memorize the music, march around the field, and do all of this at the same time?"
The answer is simple. You weren’t asked to learn your instrument in a month were you? Learning something takes time and it is a gradual process. We spend quite a bit of time learning how to play and march separately. You can focus on the marching part, then focus on the playing part. Once you feel comfortable with the two, we slowly start to put them both together. This process takes place at band camp. It is time consuming, but time is exactly what you need to be successful.

"I am involved in sports, how can I do marching band?"
If you have plans of playing JV or Varsity football it is difficult to do both!! Students do not have to drop out of the program. These students will be involved with the band during class and are excused, without penalty, from football performances. However, every other sport does not conflict with the band schedule. Volleyball, Soccer, Golf, and Cross Country may overlap schedules somewhat, but we always work out a shared schedule so that you can do both. If you are not sure about a sport, please contact VFHS and ask for Tom Schreiber, Athletic Director. He can answer all of your questions regarding the sports schedule at VFHS. The VFMB holds a philosophy of flexibility and understanding, we want any student who wishes to have the opportunity to be involved in our program, to be able to do so. Please keep the lines of communication open and open them early!!! We have been able to “work it out” for anyone who has wanted to!!! Please let us know if a Coach of a sport is denying you the opportunity. Remember, MARCHING BAND IS CURRICULAR!!!

"I hear that marching band is expensive. I don’t know if I can afford it."
In addition to basic uniform costs, any percussion or colorguard costs this year, we will also have our traditional Production Fees. Yes, producing a marching band season does cost money yet we have managed to lower our costs. All students participate in a “Fair Share Fee” structure where we all contribute to the whole. In the event of a trip, students will have many opportunities to fundraiser to assist with the cost. There are many fundraisers to help pay for the cost of band. The money is not due all at once, which really helps out. Look closely at the section dealing with cost. It is easy for you to raise all of the cost of being in the marching band through fundraising. Many students have raised all of the cost including trips through fundraising alone. Don’t let money deny you the experience of being in this band. Let us know if you need help!

"Do we have the opportunity to “LETTER” in Marching Band?"
YES!! We are happy to announce that students will now be able to earn their Letter in Marching Band after TWO successful seasons of participation. Further information on the new reward program will be provided in the Band Handbook distributed this summer.

How to get a hold of us…

Valley Forge High School Bands                  Band Office Phone 440-885-8438
9999 Independence Blvd.                             School Fax 440-885-8412
Parma Heights, Ohio 44130                         Band Website www.vfbands.com

Amy DeLuca Kristopher Morron
Director of Bands Associate Director of Bands

delucaa@parmacityschools.org morronk@parmacityschools.org

Pending Cassandra Flora
Percussion Instructor Guard Instructor

Marching season 08-09