TVHS Band Racks Up Awards

The Twin Valley High School (TVHS) marching band is having an award-winning competition season, gathering accolades along the way.

Most recently, the band placed first at the Baron Invitational, which took place on Oct. 25 at Manheim Central High School, and also took home the award for High Color Guard. At the Pennridge High School Cavalcade of Bands Competition on Oct. 16, the band finished first in its division and took home the awards for High Color Guard and High Percussion. In September, the band placed first at the Cedar Crest Sound Off Cavalcade of Bands Competition, which was the first competition of the season.

"We have had an excellent season thus far," said Robert Bennett, director of bands, noting that the band includes 53 members and is competing in the Cavalcade of Bands Liberty A division.

The show this year is titled "Superstition," and it features solos from the band's two drum majors, Sophia Moyer and Cecilia Skoniczin.

"The show plays on the common tropes of people's superstitions, both good and bad," explained Bennett. "Bad luck elements (are included), like walking under ladders, black cats, 'snake eyes' on dice, the number 13 and mirrors breaking. Good luck elements (are) four-leaf clovers, the number 7 and wishing upon stars. The show has been received well in both the competitive environment and here at home for Friday night football games."

In addition to competing against other high schools, the marching band was featured this year on 6 ABC's "School Spirit" segment. During the television program, the band performed live, and Cecilia was asked about her commitment to the band. "It tends to be a lot, but honestly, I wouldn't give this up for the world," she stated. "It's an amazing experience, and it's about putting all of these people before myself. It's an amazing experience for leadership, and also it's a family here."

The band also performed for all home and away football games this season and was featured during the Honey Brook Halloween Parade and the Elverson Parade. It will perform in two local Christmas parades.

"In many ways, the marching band has become a point of pride for the Twin Valley community and school district, and we hope to continue to grow by adding new members each year," Bennett added.

For more information about the band, visit http://www.twinvalleybands.com and http://www.facebook.com/musicboosterstvsd.