CU Marching Band Members Attend National Band Camp

Marching Band Director and Professor of Music Rebecca Vega and band members Alicia Santamaria and Amanda DeForne.

Caldwell, N.J., Aug. 9,  2021 – Caldwell University marching band members Amanda DeForne and Alicia Santamaria and Professor of Music Rebecca Vega joined students and educators from across the country at a marching band camp conducted by nationally acclaimed experts.  

The forum was held at West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania, July 26-29, and workshops included rehearsal techniques, organization and administration, leadership, drill writing, conducting, literature, band pedagogy and technology. 

Vega, director of the marching band, said it was a wonderful time for her and the students to plan together for the fall semester and think about marching and music fundamentals. “The girls learned so much … It was also great for them to hear different band director perspectives since they both want to teach high school marching band.” 

DeForne, woodwind section leader and drum major, and Santamaria, are excited to bring back the information they learned to members of Caldwell’s marching band so they can grow and improve. 

They appreciated learning from the professionals who were “insightful, inspiring and motivating,” said Santamaria, a music and secondary education major.  DeForne, a music education major with a minor in communications, said the best part was getting practical advice from the high school band directors so she knows what to expect when she becomes one. 

Vega said joining the marching band has many benefits; it helps students develop leadership and communication skills, and it is an activity in which they learn about teamwork and “no one sits on the bench.” It is a great way to make new friends and to continue to make music beyond high school. “Some students learn a new instrument or how to spin a flag. Music education majors have the opportunity to practice teaching by running sectionals and teaching marching skills.”

Caldwell University has an approximately 25-member marching band with six color guards. The band plays at home sprint football games, admission days and other campus events. To learn more about the marching band, contact Professor Vega at rvega@caldwell.edu.