The idea to start a pep band at Valley Jr.-Sr. High School had been on Samantha Potts’ mind for years. “I hated that once football season is over, I don’t get to do marching band,” said Potts, a junior at Valley. Potts of Arnold handles everything from conducting to playing in the pep band. This wouldn’t have been here if I wasn’t here.”She could not remember the last time Valley had a pep band. She said leading the pep band has improved her self-esteem.