Co-Curricular Activities

Commodore Drumline

The Vergennes Drumline is the battery section of the Commodore Marching Band, made up of middle and high school percussionists who specialize in marching snare, tenors, bass, or cymbals. While often seen as part of the larger marching band, the drumline also operates independently with its own student leadership, rehearsals, and performances. Members learn and perform original cadences and drumline-specific music while building skills in rhythm, technique, sight reading, and ensemble independence. Rehearsals are held after school as scheduled by Mr. Mann, and performances often take place in the evenings or on weekends. Interested students should check in with Mr. Mann at the start of the school year.

Director -Parker Mann (Pmann@anwsd.org)

Commodore Jazz Band

One of the oldest and largest high school jazz bands in Vermont, the Commodore Jazz Ensemble is a 25-piece big band that explores nearly 100 years of jazz—from 1920s swing to 1950s bebop to modern funk fusion. This before-school, not-for-credit ensemble is open to students who are already proficient on their instruments and committed to rehearsing outside the regular school day. Students will develop their skills in improvisation, technique, rhythm, and sight reading while learning a wide range of jazz literature. The band performs regularly throughout the Champlain Valley and has been invited to the Burlington Jazz Festival for the past three years. Rehearsals are scheduled by Mr. Mann, and most performances take place in the evenings or on weekends. Interested students should check in with Mr. Mann at the start of the school year.

Director – Parker Mann (Pmann@anwsd.org)

Commodore Singers

Commodore Singers is a small vocal ensemble that performs a variety of choral music and participates in concerts and festivals throughout the year. Members focus on building strong vocal technique, rhythm, and sight reading skills while working toward greater independence as musicians. Rehearsals are held after school as scheduled by Ms. O’Hara, and performances often take place in the evenings or on weekends. Students interested in joining should check in with Ms. O’Hara at the start of the school year.

Musical Theater

Musical Theater at VUHS brings together students from across grades to create high-quality productions that showcase acting, singing, choreography, and stagecraft. Recent shows include Newsies (2023), Mamma Mia! (2024), and 9 to 5 (2025). Students build skills in performance, collaboration, and technical theater, including set design, lighting, costumes, and more. Rehearsals take place after school and may include evenings or weekends leading up to the show. Auditions are typically announced in November, and all students are welcome to audition or get involved behind the scenes.

FFA

FFA is the premier youth organization dedicated to developing leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Members explore the science, business, and technology of agriculture while gaining hands-on experience and building leadership skills. The VUHS FFA chapter attends the Vermont State Convention each year and frequently qualifies for national competitions. Interested students should contact Mr. Van De Weert for more information.

German National Honor Society

New to VUHS in the 2023–2024 school year, the German National Honor Society recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in the study of German. Members celebrate German language and culture while promoting excellence in world language learning. Interested students should contact Janet Kepes for more information.

Green Team

Green Team is a student-led environmental group dedicated to making VUHS a more sustainable and eco-conscious school. Members take action on issues like recycling, composting, energy use, and climate awareness, and often lead school-wide initiatives to reduce our environmental impact. The group also partners with local organizations and participates in community events focused on sustainability. Students interested in joining should listen for announcements or reach out to a current Green Team member or advisor.

Math Team

The Math Team is for students who enjoy problem-solving and want to challenge themselves in a fun, competitive setting. Team members participate in five math meets throughout the year, competing against schools like BFA St. Albans, Burlington, CVU, Essex, Mt. Abe, U-32, and more. Meets include 12-minute individual tests in Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, and Advanced Math, followed by a 20-minute team round with five selected members. Competitions always end on a sweet note—with milk and cookies!

National Honor Society

The National Honor Society (NHS) recognizes Juniors and Seniors who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Students with a GPA of 3.45 or higher are invited to apply by completing an information form that highlights their leadership roles and community service. A Faculty Council reviews all applications and selects members based on these four pillars.

At VUHS, NHS members promote a strong school and community culture through service projects such as peer tutoring, organizing blood drives, participating in walkathons, and collecting gifts for local children during the holidays. The goal of NHS is to encourage academic achievement, serve others, build leadership, and foster strong character.

School Newspaper ~ The Current

The Current is the VUHS student newspaper, created to explore school issues and current events, showcase student artwork and photography, and amplify student voice within our school community. The newspaper publishes 3–4 editions each year. If you're interested in joining the team or would like to contribute writing, opinion pieces, artwork, or photography, please reach out to Quincy Sabick, a senior editor, at qusabick@anwsd.org.

SPACE

SPACE is a student-led group focused on creating a healthier, more equitable school through student voice and action. The name stands for Safer Possibilities through Advocacy, Community, and Education, reflecting the group’s mission to support youth health, promote social justice, and build stronger school-community connections. SPACE members work with school leadership, plan and host evening events, and lead the annual Social Justice Fest. Students also design and implement educational programming around health topics that matter to them. To get involved, contact Emily Rossier.