The Beat Always Goes On For Marple Newtown Tiger Band

NEWTOWN SQUARE—It may be only the beginning of October, but the Marple Newtown Tiger Band has already had a full fall. On Friday, Sept. 30, the Marple Newtown Tiger Band was bursting with Tiger spirit as they cheered on the football team's game against Lower Merion High School.

It was not a night of nice, crisp fall weather, but rather another cold and rainy day for a home game at Band members quickly hid their feathered headgear and the color guard grabbed hoodies, but a little rain didn't let them miss one Tiger beat.

For some band members this will be their last year in the stands and on the field.

Senior Brian Landi is currently the Assistant Drum Major and Student Marching instructor. He began as a trumpet player, and then moved up to brass captain. He spends about 20-25 hours a week working with the band. He plans on spending his senior year "just having as much fun as possible." 

Other band members are already looking to the future. Kelly Berger has spent the past four "fantastic" years with the band. Next year she will be attending York College of Pennsylvania and will continue to study music.

 "I am looking forward to moving on, but will miss my friends," said Berger.

The MN Tiger Band was already in full swing before classes even started. Student musicians participated in band camp with a trip to Camp Canadensis in the Poconos during the last week of August. Despite a visit from , the band still managed to work on a new field show called "Fast Track."

This September, the Marple Newtown Tiger Band was back to fundraising with a car wash on Sept. 17 at the .

Between fundraising and the band is always at the Marple Newtown High School football games.

"We love dancing in the stands and marching in the show," said senior and Tiger Band member Gia Santivasi.

The band is currently focusing on plans for Bandarama, which will be held on Oct. 29. 
Bandarama is the Marple Newtown Tiger Band's home competition and they’ve been hosting it for 42 years now. It was originally created to showcase bands in their own venue with a crowd there specifically to hear and see those bands.

First year band member Tom Lombard, who plays the saxophone told Marple Newtown Patch he was really looking forward to Bandarama.

It's not just about the students–Marple Newtown Tiger Band parents are very involved in helping prepare for shows and competitions like Bandarama.

"While the students have been working hard learning their field show, the band parents are busy building props for the show and preparing for our 42nd Bandarama," explained Ezzie Klein, the president of the Marple Newtown Band Parents Association.

Band Director Michael Massimo appreciates the parents' hard work at logistics and fundraising. Even alumni still lend the band a hand, and then some.

"Eight of the nine staff members for the marching band are alumni of the program. We would not have a program even remotely like we do know without the support of the " said Massimo.

Friday's game had to end without the band cheering the football team on. Massimo decided to send the students home because the uniforms were beginning to get a bit too wet. After all, they had to be ready for their first competition bright and early the next morning. For the Marple Newtown Tiger Band, the beat always goes on.