50 Years of Music, Marching, and Excellence

On October 3, 1970, the Marple Newtown High School Band hosted a dozen bands and thousands of spectators in the inaugural music and marching competition known as Bandarama. And on Saturday October 12, the tradition continues with its 50th celebration, including a dozen high school marching bands from across the region and featuring the award-winning Marple Newtown Tiger Band performing its 2019 show “Diamonds.”

Over these 50 years, bands from 100 different schools have performed close to 500 shows, including special appearances “in exhibition” by Temple University, West Chester University, and the University of Delaware. Haverford High School, despite not coming to its first Bandarama until 1977, has the most appearances, having participated 25 times. They will be joined by Penn Wood High School, another member of the “20 performance club,” along with first-time attendees Phoenixville and Conestoga Valley, and another eight bands making return visits.

Over the decades, the competition has seen changes that have reflected trends in both popular and marching band culture. Regimented marching and tight, geometric formations have given way to dynamic and athletic performances, with constantly moving sets linked by a storyline that includes choreography, dance, and props to bring a highly visual component to accompany the music. And the range of musical offerings has broadened, going from shows heavy on marches and ballads to productions which include both more diverse instrumentation (such as keyboards, synths, vibraphones, bass guitars, and even vocal elements) and selections that span time, culture, and genre from Stravinsky to Rihanna. Throughout these changes, the commitment, talent, and pride of the student-performers has continued as an enduring legacy of the traditions formed in those early years.

Bandarama was started by Director Larry McGriff and a group of committed parents who wanted to give the band its own “home game” and showcase their talents for the local community. And what talent they had! They took first place and highest ratings in various parades and competitions, including the Virginia Beach Music Festival, the Hanover Halloween Parade, and the PMC Cavalcade. They also marched at halftime of the Philadelphia Eagles game, competed at the Academy of Music, and even performed on skates with the Ice Capades at the Spectrum. Since then, the tradition has been continued under two other Directors, Bearj Jehanian and Michael Massimo, maintaining not only Bandarama but also the continued excellence of the band itself (including a recent first place finish at the QVC West Chester Christmas Parade).

Come join us at Marple Newtown High School on Saturday to be part of a tradition that has spanned generations. Gates open at 5:00 pm and the first performance is at 6:00 pm, culminating with the MN Tiger Band at 9:00 pm. Tickets are available at the door.