The Music Boosters of Twin Valley will present the second annual Showcase of Bands at Twin Valley High School (TVHS) on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 7 to 10 p.m. In addition to the host band, other local high schools that will participate are Exeter, Fleetwood, Owen J. Roberts, Daniel Boone, Reading and Muhlenberg. Each band will perform its 2023 field show, culminating in a mass band performance to end the night of entertainment.

The showcase is not a competition. Rather, judges will provide feedback to the performers. "It is an exhibition," explained Cheryl Skoniczin, president of the Music Boosters of Twin Valley. "At the beginning of the season, we have the schools come and do their shows. We will have judges, but no prizes will be awarded. The judges will tell the kids what they need to fix when they do go to competition later on (in the season). The judges will (record their thoughts) and write up their notes and give them back to us."

She noted that each judge specializes in a different area of the performance, such as percussion, visual effects, music and the color guard. One judge will evaluate the general ensemble.

A highlight of the event will be when the bands perform together under the direction of TVHS band director Robert Bennett. More than 550 students will participate. "They will all have the music in advance and rehearse with their own directors, but they don't rehearse as a giant ensemble," Skoniczin noted. "They come on the field in their sections - all the flutes and all the clarinets will be together. Everyone is with their like instruments."

"The drum majors from each of the participating schools will be up directing their groups as well," she added. "It's to keep a beat, so the kids don't get off-rhythm."

The theme of the TVHS band show this year is "It's About Time." Songs include "As Time Goes By" as featured in "Casablanca," "Clocks" by Coldplay and "Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce. "The show is performed at all Twin Valley football games, both home and away, as well as local competitions throughout the fall," noted Skoniczin.

Last year, the TVHS marching band competed for the first time at the Cavalcade of Bands in Hershey, where the band won the silver medal in its division.

The upcoming Showcase of Bands is a fundraiser for the booster club, which supports all Twin Valley School District music students and programs. Concessions and food trucks will be available at the event.

TVHS is located at 4897 N. Twin Valley Road, Elverson. Tickets will be sold at the gate. A discount will be provided for those who pay with cash. There will be separate prices for adults and for students and senior citizens. Handicapped-accessible parking and entry will be available by the TVHS Physical Education Center. For more information, contact Bennett at rbennett@tvsd.org.