VHS Band Students Launch Middle School Mentoring Program

Verona High School has taken a proactive step toward bridging the gap between middle school and high school band with the launch of a recruitment program called Band Peer Mentorship, or BPM. Spearheaded by senior Ellie Battersby, this student-led initiative aims to reinforce band participation as the grades most impacted by remote learning during COVID-19 start to enter the high school.

Recognizing the importance of engaging rising high schoolers by introducing them to the band environment, the BPM program pairs middle school band members and those interested in color guard with their high school counterparts. Through shadowing, mentoring, and collaborative rehearsals, this program offers a valuable opportunity for young musicians to learn from their peers and gain insight into what it means to be a part of Verona High School’s renowned band.

In late October, under the guidance and support of the middle school band directors, Brian Michalowski and Dan Halpern, and high school band director Erik Lynch, the program kicked off with sectional night, where H.B. Whitehorne seventh and eighth grade band members were welcomed to VHS for a private performance of their half-time show “Bach and Roll.” They then rehearsed pep songs together in their sections in preparation for a night football game. The evening ended with an ensemble rehearsal and an ice cream party.

Battersby drew inspiration from her own experience. Having participated in a similar program with the University of North Carolina marching band for the past two years, she saw the value in a student-run shadowing program so that students can experience marching band first-hand. “Playing alongside the UNC band as a high schooler has been a great opportunity to experience what college band would be like,” Battersby said. “I wanted to extend the same opportunity to middle schoolers contemplating joining band in high school. It also provided the high schoolers an opportunity to lead and mentor younger students.” VHS High school mentors were in charge of their sections and guided their younger counterparts, creating connections while also earning volunteer hours.

The Band Peer Mentorship program not only provides valuable guidance and support but also creates a sense of community and camaraderie among band members. “We had a great time,” said Zach Conte, a seventh-grade saxophone player. “It was so much fun to spend time with the high schoolers who helped us learn the pep songs. And it was fun to get to play with my older brother.”

At the Hanover Park game, HBW was welcomed back to VHS to enjoy pizza before the football game. Middle schoolers then accompanied the VHS Marching Maroon and White to the stands, where they played pep songs alongside their high school mentors and experienced Friday night lights first-hand as a band member. At half time, middle schoolers went on the field alongside the VHS marching band, assisting the pit crew during the band’s halftime show.

“The program was a huge success because it put the younger students in touch with older students,” said HBW’s Halpern. “It means so much for the HBW students to talk to VHS students who were recently in their shoes and understand where they are coming from. Students relate to one another in a way that doesn’t happen with adults. So when the youngsters hear from their peers how rewarding band is at VHS it goes a long way toward making them want to continue doing it.”

The Verona High School music program has a long-standing tradition of excellence and prides itself on statistically larger membership per student body given the size of the high school population. The Verona Music Association continues to adapt and innovate to keep the music program healthy and thriving, and initiatives like the Band Peer Mentorship serve to encourage music participation.

“We take immense pride in the fact that our program boasts a larger membership per student body than most schools, showcasing the incredible passion and dedication of our students and faculty,” said VHS’ Lynch. “Initiatives like the Band Peer Mentorship exemplify our mission to foster a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging every student to continue to explore their musical talents.”

Future mentorship opportunities are planned throughout the year during concert and jazz band, which will offer additional opportunities for middle schoolers to preview the musical excellence at VHS. “Band has been a huge part of my high school experience, and I encourage anyone in middle school consideringl VHS band to participate in one of the upcoming recruitment nights,” Battersby said.