Ms. De Luca (440) 885-8438
Mr. Morron (440) 885-8438
Dr. Laycock (440) 885-8438
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 4th
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