This fall, the Verona High School instrumental music program will face some of the biggest changes it’s ever seen. Previously, it was mandatory for students to participate in the marching band in order to be in the concert band. Now the concert band will continue to be a class, taught by Erik Lynch, the current band instructor. But the marching band will be a non-mandatory after-school activity, led by Christopher Fludd, the current choir and jazz band director at VHS.
Although he’s been at VHS for less than two years, Fludd’s music background isn’t limited. During high school, he led his marching band as drum major, played the saxophone, and was a member of multiple music groups. He continued his experience with music at the Riding University Westminster Choir College, where he majored in music education.
Now Fludd is heading back to his marching band roots. “I think what’s good about everything that’s happening here is I’m tapping more into the musician Mr. Fludd rather than the guy who went to go study and do all those things,” he says. “I’m going back to a time where I was honestly just trying everything just to satisfy the soul a little bit.”
Fludd will reflect on his musical past with the theme for this fall’s show–a Motown retelling of Cinderella. “It’s the music that I grew up with, the music that I love,” Fludd says. “I’m not sure that Verona’s had that kind of exposure to music of that category.”
And he isn’t wrong. Previously, Marching Maroon and White shows mostly consisted of classical music, but Fludd believes it’s time for Verona to try something new. “My conscience doesn’t say to continue what my predecessor has done,” Fludd says. “I have to run it the way I see fit.”
These changes definitely create a challenge for the band, but it’s one that Fludd believes will lead to a revolution in the program. “I was told that that kind of style I grew up with or the music that I would pick wouldn’t be accepted at a competition, and I don’t like to be defeated so easily,” he says. “In fact, that’s kind of like fuel to try this…I definitely want to take the opportunity to do this and put that out there and show that in North Jersey, something can change, and it’s totally fine.”
Furthermore, Fludd believes it teaches what he thinks is most important–community. “I want to teach the community aspect because I think any good performance, ever, requires that kind of community,” he says. “It takes that team effort to really display something that’s authentic, and musical, and professional.” Creating a performance is a serious task, and Fludd wants his students to recognize that. “We have to create an environment that allows kids to feel like they can succeed. It’s important that when students finish the season they know that how much it takes to be a performer.”
As the VHS Music Program changes, Christopher Fludd is ready to do the most with them. With his Motown show, he’s ready to redefine what a marching band looks like at VHS. In the end, he hopes, “it’s a new moment for everybody to take in.”
Marching Maroon and White 2024 season photos by Lori Sickinger
Ella Barchie will graduate Verona High School with the Class of 2025. This story is part of her participation in VHS’ Senior Capstone project.
The community is invited to join Daria Day: Colors of Hope on Sunday, June 8, a family-friendly fundraiser supporting Daria, a Verona High School senior who has been courageously fighting stage 4 osteosarcoma for three years.
Event Highlights
The day features a 1-mile Color Walk, bounce house, cornhole, tie-dye station, face painting, stretches with Stretch+, Powder Puff Football, DJ entertainment, and food from local favorites including The Compound Coffee, The Towne Scoop, Eight Hills Caterers, Playa Bowls, and Empanada Lady Cafe.
Tickets: Adults $35, Children $15 Registration: Register here and complete payment at this link.
Daria’s Journey
Since her osteosarcoma diagnosis in January 2022, Daria has shown remarkable courage through multiple surgeries, 15 rounds of radiation, chemotherapy, and innovative treatments. Despite her strength, the cancer has spread to her lungs and hip bone. Funds raised will support ongoing medical treatments, medications, specialist consultations, and essential family living expenses.
Extensive Community Support
Daria’s fight has inspired unprecedented community support from local businesses and families. The event is made possible through generous sponsorships from Eight Hills Caterers, The Compound, Jimmy’s Kitchen, Tia’s Food of Love, Mud Sweat Tears, Frungillo Hospitality Group, Rebel Core, and other dedicated local partners.
Restaurant Partners – “Dinner for Daria” June 8
Local restaurants will donate 20% of proceeds when customers mention “Dinner for Daria” throughout the day on Sunday, June 8:
Jimmy’s Family Kitchen – dinner from 4:30pm Frank Anthony’s – open 12pm-8pm The Parkside Social – dinner from 4pm Nomada – lunch and dinner Avenue – open 11am-9pm
Additional Community Support
Get Involved
Volunteers needed: Sign up to volunteer here
“We are incredibly thankful for the community rallying behind Daria,” says the event organizer. “This day is about joy, color, and showing Daria that she is not fighting alone.”
Register today and join this community to support a great cause!
Follow dariadaycolorsofhope on Instagram for more updates.
For more information about Daria Day: Colors of Hope, contact [email protected].
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