to produce an updated recording of the overture. In the fall of 1970, the VFMA recorded their tracks of the production in Columbia Studios in New York City. In addition to the VFMA Band, the recording featured the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, directed by Richard P. Condie. The current Bandmaster is Warrant Officer (II) Phil Evans, Royal Marines Band Service (Retired). VFMAC Field Music Established in 1956, VFMAC Field Music is a separate unit of the Corps of Cadets and has its own officers and shares the same barracks and tactical officer. This unit is a reflection of the British volunteer Corps of Drums tradition. It continues the long heritage of US military field music through the years of the nation's existence and its armed forces. It also has a Drum and Bugle Corps legacy (through the use of brass instruments), and starting from AY 2011-2012, it also has a fife player on its rosters. Aside from its regular participation in school events, parades, on and off-campus formations, and other events, it has a storied history of appearances in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has been assigned the honor of being the City of Philadelphia's honor guard for distinguished visitors to the city. Academic and military preparatory programs Valley Forge Military College degree programs The Academic Program at VFMC leads to an Associate of Arts, an Associate of Science, or an Associate in Business Administration degree. The strong core curriculum, developed based on careful analysis of the general education requirements of competitive colleges and universities, is the heart of the degree programs. Together with the courses require in the academic fields of study, the core programs provide the foundation for successful transfer to a four-year college and long-term academic success. There are currently ten associate degree programs at the college and two certificate programs. Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps and Early Commissioning Program VFMC offers the Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program (ECP). Successful completion of this two-year program results in a cadet earning a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduating as a sophomore from VFMC. Graduates who are commissioned serve in the reserve components (Army Reserve or Army National Guard) while completing their bachelor's degrees. Those who desire active service may compete for a position and serve in the active component of the Army after earning their bachelor's degree. Those selected enter active duty as a