When the Twin Valley High School (TVHS) marching band takes the field this year during football season, fans will see a newly styled group of musicians and color guard members. "They have not had new uniforms since the year 2000," said Robert Bennett, TVHS director of bands. "We have a completely new look we are presenting this year."

Other changes this year for the marching band include participating in competitions and hosting a show featuring bands from local high schools. "This is a big year for the Twin Valley High School band," said Bennett.

Bennett made the announcements during band camp, which was held from Aug. 1 through 12 in the parking lot at the high school. During the camp, band members were given an opportunity to perfect their show, which includes elements of art and dance.

"We are doing a show based on the three branches of classical art study. That includes painting, architecture and dance," Bennett explained. "We are putting a museum on the field. The pillars are representative of an art museum-type feel. We are actually displaying some paintings in the 'art museum.'"

He noted that each movement in the performance reflects the theme. "The first movement is a (display of) pictures at an exhibition," said Bennett. "Movement two is 'Going West,' so we are playing themes from 'The Magnificent Seven' and 'The Red Pony.' In movement three, we are revealing an Eiffel Tower and we are playing 'An American in Paris.' Our last movement is a 'Sabre Dance' and the can-can. The (color) guard will be dancing and the band will be dancing a little bit. We will have Moulin Rouge-style dancers doing a kickline."

The band is led by Bennett as well as two drum majors, Jasmynn Camarota and Hannah Kurtz. "We have 45 (band members), which is up from 32 students last year," Bennett noted.

In addition to rehearsing, band camp included social activities. "We had a pool party at a member's home and a bonfire," said Hannah. "We also had band Olympics with activities and games."

The final day of camp featured a beach day theme and a summer picnic at a band member's home.

Because of the extreme temperatures during the second week of the band camp, students were given plenty of opportunities to stay hydrated with quick sips of water. "We called it 'Gush and Go,'" Jasmynn said with a smile.

The TVHS band is currently preparing to host a band competition at the high school, 4851 Twin Valley Road, Elverson, on Saturday, Sept. 17, from noon to 10 p.m., featuring local high school bands such as Exeter, Owen J. Roberts, Daniel Boone and Fleetwood. The band also plans to compete for the first time at the Cavalcade of Bands in Hershey.

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