THE VALLEY TROUBADOURS
Homeschool Band & Choir
One of the largest Homeschool Music programs in the country, the Valley Troubadours was created for homeschool students to explore music in a welcoming setting at an affordable price. With 3 choirs, 4 bands, and private lessons, we offer music education for K-12 students at many levels of ability.
Join over 250 Fox Valley homeschool students in fostering a lifelong relationship with music and expression.
TROUBADOURS CLASSES ARE NOW ONLINE!
Due to the current restrictions on assemblies because of the Coronavirus/COVID-19, the Valley Troubadours will be suspending all in-person rehearsals, classes, and lessons until further notice.
Please see the information provided on our Band and Choir Resources pages above, and join me on Thursdays (Concert Band), Fridays, and Saturdays (A Cappella Choir) for online ZOOM sectionals (schedule and links are also posted on the Resources pages)!
Music, especially now, can soothe the soul and lift the spirit. Please continue to make music in your homes. I miss you all, and pray for your families every day.
Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us. ~Martin Luther
ABOUT US
The Valley Troubadours first held classes in the Fox Valley in the fall of 2013. The program was developed by music teacher and homeschool mom, Cathy LaFrombois, to give homeschooled students an opportunity to learn in an ensemble setting, meet new friends, and develop skills for a lifetime of music enjoyment, appreciation, and worship.
Ensembles are for students 5 and older.
3 choirs (Children's, Cadet, and A Cappella) and
4 bands (Beginning, Cadet, Jazz, and Concert) are offered for various music needs /experience levels.
The Valley Troubadours is now a 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Nonprofit Organization.
Our mission is to support, assist, encourage, advocate, and promote music education both within The Valley Troubadours Homeschool Music Program and the Fox Valley Area.
The Valley Troubadours & the Badger Meeting House
exist to tutor, enrich, and supplement - not supplant -
your teaching endeavors at home.
PER SEMESTER PRICES
SCHEDULE ON FRIDAYS
IF PAYING BY CASH/CHECK/VIRTUAL SCHOOL FUNDS
PLEASE ENTER THE WORD "DROPBOX" IN THE PROMO CODE SECTION, AND PAYMENT CAN BE PLACED IN THE DROPBOX LOCATED IN THE BADGER MEETING HOUSE LOBBY
CHOIR
BAND
FAQS
You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers
DO STUDENTS NEED TO BE MEMBERS OF VHS?
Students do not need to be members of Valley Homeschoolers (VHS) in order to participate in The Valley Troubadours.
The Valley Troubadours is an independent organization that supports VHS, its mission, and its many activities and events for homeschoolers in the Fox Valley area.
Band classes use the Standard of Excellence method book series as its foundational material, while Choir classes utilize the Voice for Life curriculum series.
Music literature is selected, in part, to convey musical concepts and theory in an approachable and enjoyable manner.
NOTE: All repertoire is selected to either convey, or at a minimum, not directly contradict, a Christian worldview.
The vast majority of our students are homeschooled, and the Valley Troubadours was created for that purpose. As an educational organization, we fully support home-centered education in its many forms.
We welcome Virtual School students (BVA approved provider), with the understanding that all curriculum, repertoire, & policy decisions are under the sole discretion of Valley Troubadours.
WHERE ARE REHEARSALS HELD?
Rehearsals are held each Friday at the Badger Meeting House (320 N. Badger Ave.) in Appleton, WI, conveniently located between Wisconsin and College Avenues near downtown Appleton.
Street parking available along Harris, Summit, and Franklin St.
Our rehearsals are open so parents are always welcome to stay or drop off/pick up their students. We love visitors! Feel free to stop in and watch us in action anytime.
WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH TUITION?
Tuition includes the cost of instruction, program expenses (including facility, rehearsal and concert expenses), all sheet music, and any additional instructional materials, with the following exceptions:
Band students must purchase/rent their own instrument, method book, and folding music stand.
DO CLASSES FOLLOW A CURRICULUM?
WHEN DO SEMESTERS START/END?
Our semesters run for approximately 13-15 weeks, September-December and January-May (rehearsals will not be held the Friday after Thanksgiving, or on Good Friday).
Each semester culminates in a concert (Christmas Concert and Spring Concert), typically the second Fridays of December and May. Students must attend a minimum of 10 rehearsals in order to participate in the concert.
IS PRIOR EXPERIENCE NECESSARY?
No previous music experience is necessary for participation in our choral ensembles or Beginning Band.
Cadet Band (age 10+) requires at least 1 year of experience.
Concert Band (age 13+) is for experienced students, or by Director invitation.
Jazz Band (age 12+) is with Cadet or Concert Band registration.
