I know it’s the time of year when everyone is usually cold and huddled around the gridiron; however the Sun Valley Marching Vanguards have managed to keep the boys of summer alive this fall with their show “Bases Loaded: America’s Favorite Pastime.” The show’s four sections include: I. Play Ball!; II. Legends; III. Seventh Inning Stretch; and IV. Home Run!
Not only will the music entertain you, but intertwined throughout the show are sound bytes of legendary baseball moments, including Lou Gehrig’s infamous retirement speech, the announcement of Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s record, and my all-time favorite, Harry Kalas reveling “that ball’s outta here!” The guard is dressed in vintage uniforms from the World War II era, or as most readers will remember, costumes similar to those used in the movie “A League of Their Own.” It’s hard not to have a nostalgic moment while watching these dedicated students perform this show. One might find oneself yearning for a box of Cracker Jack or spontaneously humming “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”
The commitment of this Marching Unit and Guard shows in their performance. Not only have they regaled fans during halftime at Sun Valley home football games, but they have also caught the eye of the Cavalcade Judges and have four 1st place wins to prove it-Chichester on Sept. 15, 2012: Ridley on Sept. 22, 2012: OJ Roberts on Sept. 29, 2012: and Unionville on Oct. 20, 2012. with the guard receiving High Guard Award at the recent Unionville competition and the entire Marching Band recieving the Brandywine cup for highest overall score, also at Unionville.
The Sun Valley Marching Vanguard Band is led by Director Tim Pry; Assistants Mike Stadnicki and Justin Heimbecker, Percussion Staff – Keith Henning and Amanda Breslow; Color Guard Direction – Eileen Pry and Kristin Peers, Drill Design – Steve Rinda; Music Arranger – Gary P. Gilroy and Percussion Arranger Nathy Eby.
Please continue to read our posts to learn more about Sun Valley’s future competitions, our student leaders, the students themselves and we may even do an expose on the Band Parents Association and all the wondrous things they do behind the scenes week in and week out. (You won’t want to miss that!)
If you wish more information about the Sun Valley Marching Vanguards, please feel free to email us via this blog.
So glad to see the many accomplishments of Sun Valley Marching Band. While it is hard work and determination, you are having the best times of your lives. My daughter Kristen Kepics was in band all through school and achieved position of Drum Major in her Senior year at Valley (2002). I hope parents are still involved because it is so much fun. Go Valley! Debbie Kepics