NORTH PENN MUSIC AIDES

NPMK Parent Handbook

NPMK Parent Handbook:
A Parent’s Guide to Surviving the North Penn Marching Band Season

If you are reading this, your child has decided to join the North Penn Marching Band! Welcome to the world of the Marching Knights, one of the premiere social and musical organizations in the North Penn School District. It is also one of the largest and most inclusive sporting activities offered. Yes, by definition Marching Band is a sport:

“An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or other for entertainment.” – Oxford Languages

Want to learn more about what it means to be a North Penn Marching Knight? Choose from the options below:

Topic Guide

Who Are We?
Why Should my Student(s) Participate in the Marching Knights?
What Sections Comprise the Marching Band?
What Does a Season Entail?
What is the Attendance Policy?
Why is Attendance such a Big Deal?
What Do I Need to Bring to Practices, Football Games and Competitions?
How to be in the Know (Communication)
How Much Does Marching Band Cost (Finances/Fees)?
What do I get for my Fees?
Are there Fundraising Opportunities?
How do I make Payments?
What are the Uniforms?
How Can I Get Involved (Volunteer Opportunities)?
Other Events
Random Stuff
The “OFF” Season

Who Are We?

  • We are the North Penn Music Aides (NPMA), or the parents behind the scenes!  The Who We Are page takes you to a list of current NPMA Board Members and Chairpersons.  It also provides the email addresses for each position as well as any open slots.
  • View the NPMA By-Laws, which provides a description of each position’s responsibilities.  If you are interested in filling one of these vital leadership roles in the future, you can find out which one suits you best!
  • NPMA oversees more than just the Marching Knights.  Visit the NPMA website where a ton of valuable information is included.

back to top

Why Should my Student(s) Participate in the Marching Knights?

back to top

What Sections Comprise the Marching Band?

  • Drum Majors: Auditioned positions that lead the band. Auditions for Drum Majors and other student leaders are typically held in May.
  • Woodwinds: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophones
  • High Brass: Trumpet, Mellophone (marching French Horn)
  • Low Brass: Trombone, Tuba, Baritone
  • Battery: Bass drums, quad drums, snare drums, and cymbals
  • Front Ensemble (aka the “Pit”): Stationary marimbas, sound systems, guitars, etc.
  • Color Guard: Non-musicians that dance, spin flags, and toss mock rifles and sabres
  • Woodwinds, High Brass, and Low Brass are referred to collectively as
  • Battery and Front Ensemble are referred to collectively as Percussion.

back to top

What Does a Season Entail?

The following is an overview of a typical season.  Be sure to check this season’s specific schedule to ensure you have all dates, times and events properly entered into your calendar.  Yes, being part of NPMK is a huge commitment, but it is worth the effort.  Make sure you also read and understand the attendance policy that follows this section.  The most up-to-date calendar can be found on the Band App (see Communication) and the NP Band Google Calendar:

Winter & Spring NPMK Training Camps

These provide students with a chance to meet the veteran members of the band, learn the basics of movement and marching, and start rehearsing the music for the upcoming season.  Students can attend one, some, or all of the camps and there is no commitment or pressure to join.

  • These camps are open to the current school year 7th – 11th grade students.
  • Emails detailing the dates of the camps come out in January.
  • Percussion and Color Guard training camps start later in the spring after the Indoor Percussion and Color Guard seasons end.
  • STUDENTS must fill out the online registration form using their North Penn email address to participate in these events.

 Summer Mini-Camps & Rehearsals

  • June:
    • Tuesday evenings from 6:00 – 9:00PM
    • 1st Tuesday in June is the official kickoff to the season and is celebrated with an ice cream social provided by NPMA.
    • June Mini-Camp is scheduled right after the end of the school year. It is usually comprised of three days of 6-hour rehearsals.
    • There is a Mandatory Student/Parent Meeting before the June Mini-Camp. This meeting makes sure that everyone understands the commitment and gets a better idea of what to expect during the season.
  • July:
    • Tuesday evenings from 6:00 – 9:00PM
    • July Mini-Camp is scheduled during the last week of the month and is usually comprised of 6-hour rehearsals on Tuesday – Thursday.

Band Camp

  • First two full weeks of August:
    • Monday – Thursday from 1:00 – 9:00PM
    • Band Camp is critical for learning the show. Dinner is provided.

Regular Season Rehearsals

  • Late August
    • Tuesday – Thursday from 6:00 – 9:00PM until school starts
  • Start of School through 1st Weekend of November:
    • Monday, Tuesday & Thursday from 6:30 – 9:00PM
    • Rehearsal days may vary based on holidays and extra preparation for Nationals.

Football Games

  • Football season starts at the end of August and goes through October with the potential for Playoff Games in November.
  • Games are usually on Friday evenings, but some are on Thursdays due to holidays.
  • Practice starts at 3:30PM.
    • 10th-12th graders generally don’t go home after school. Middle schoolers can take the sports bus (activity bus) from their respective middle school, or parents can drop them off in time for rehearsal. Bring uniform to Thursday night practice.
  • Dinner is provided (usually pizza or hoagies).
    • At the beginning of the season, the parent committee in charge of meals will send a Google form for each student to complete to indicate their pizza and hoagie preferences. If a student does not like what is offered, they will need to bring their own meal.
  • Transportation is provided to and from away games. The schedule will indicate where the game is going to be each week.
  • NPMK usually performs before the game (6:40PM) at home football games and during half-time at away football games.
  • Band members play in the stands during the game. They are “off” during the 3rd quarter when they can get snacks/drinks, if desired. Band members get a $1 discount at the concession stand.
  • Students are expected to stay for the entire game. They should be picked up from the Band Lot after the game (usually ~9:30PM).
  • For away games, the Band App will be updated with the anticipated return time.
  • Parent volunteers are needed for Concessions, Chaperones & Knight Crew (see Volunteer Opportunities).

Competitions

  • Competitions start in middle/late September and are on Saturday evenings.
  • The day starts with practice, usually beginning late-morning. Expect the kids to be busy all day.
  • A hot, filling dinner is provided by NPMA (ex: pasta, meatballs, mac & cheese, chicken tenders, salad, dessert, etc.). A menu of what is going to be served will be provided in the Weekly Bulletin. If a student does not like what is offered, they will need to bring their own meal.
  • Transportation is provided to and from the performance location, which will be posted in the calendar.
  • NPMK primarily competes in the US Bands Circuit. We are Group V (the largest bands with 95+ members) and Open Class (the most advanced level). See org for more information about the organization.
  • The more support they have in the stands, the more fun it is for our kids, so make sure to come out to join the NMPK Cheering Section!
  • Arrival back to school after competitions can be very, very late (~12AM). NPMK usually performs later in the evening and stays for the awards ceremony at the end. The Band App will be updated with the anticipated return time.
  • Parent volunteers are needed for Chaperones & Knight Crew (see Volunteer Opportunities).

Parades

  • Mardi Gras Parade
    • Lansdale’s Holiday Parade. Third Saturday in November.
    • Report time and location will be announced.
  • Lansdale Memorial Day Parade
    • Memorial Day Weekend
    • If your student is a 9th grader, they will march in the Hatfield Memorial Day parade instead of the Lansdale. The middle school director will provide details regarding this parade.

 Special Events

  • Knight of Sound: Our biggest fundraiser of the season! This is NPMK’s home competition show.  We need every family to participate!  Signups to chair a committee or volunteer on the day of the event will be posted in the Weekly Bulletin and Band App.
  • Champs Dinner: A night to celebrate all the success of the season. Each section gets an area of the cafeteria for parents to decorate in the theme of the show, and gifts are also presented to each participant. Section leader parents will help coordinate. Dinner is provided and served by alumni. As a tradition, we keep the details of this night a SECRET for all new members!
  • Community Knight: Held the Monday after Nationals in early November, this is the last time the show will be performed for the season. This event is open to the entire community, free of charge, to come out and enjoy a fun & entertaining evening. Seniors are recognized and they perform a seniors-only version of the show. The night ends with the much-anticipated Drill Down.
  • Additional events will be announced if and when they arise.

back to top

What is the Attendance Policy?

Report known absences as soon as possible on the NPMK Absence Form, and email Mr. Santanello for any last minute/unscheduled absences at santanjj@npenn.org. Excessive absences, excused or unexcused, may result in dismissal from the Marching Knights.

Summer Mini-Camps & Rehearsals

  • Attendance at Mini-Camps and Rehearsals is expected of all members.
  • Students are excused for illness, vacations, summer camps and major family events (weddings, funerals, etc.). Work is not considered an excused absence.  Please coordinate your band schedule with your employer.

Band Camp

  • Attendance at Band Camp is
  • Coordinate conflicts with Mr. Santanello ASAP, santanjj@npenn.org.

Regular Season Mini-Camps & Rehearsals,

  • Attendance at Mini-Camps and Rehearsals is expected of all members.
  • Students are excused for illness and major family events. Work is not considered an excused absence. Please coordinate your band schedule with your employer. Homework is not considered an excused absence. Students are expected to be responsible and stay on top of their school work without having to miss rehearsals.
  • The key is to notify Mr. Santanello early and not at the last minute.

Football Games & Competitions

  • Attendance at Football Games and Competitions is mandatory.
  • Students are excused for illness and major family events. Work is not considered an excused absence. Please coordinate your band schedule with your employer. Homework is not considered an excused absence. Students are expected to be responsible and stay on top of their school work without having to miss rehearsals.
  • The key is to notify Mr. Santanello early and not at the last minute.

Parades

back to top

Why is Attendance such a Big Deal?

Mr. Santanello’s Facebook post

“If there are 111 students in the band, why would one student missing be such a problem?  The reason we want students to attend rehearsal probably seems obvious.  If your child is not here practicing, they are not getting better!  But it goes a lot deeper than that. The thing that makes Marching Band special is that every single student is not only important but essential to the performance.  There is no bench or 2nd string in Marching Band like there is in sports.  Every student has their own customized spot in the band and if they are not present, there is no one to fill their spot.  It just becomes a blank spot in the drill or the music.

Students missing from performances on Friday and Saturday nights is even more of a problem.  When there are blanks in the drill due to missing students, it makes the drill less readable to a Visual Judge meaning we are likely to get a lower score.  And while it’s not all about the score, it is certainly a bummer for our kids to get penalized for missing students after all the work they’ve put in.

But it’s not just the missing person that’s a problem.  Having a blank makes it significantly harder for students who march next to that blank.  On any one of our 80+ drill sets, students are using the people around them to accurately gauge where they need to be.  When they lose the person next to them, it’s like flying blind.  They lose a major amount of context to their visual performance.  So that missing student creates a ripple effect across the band.  Every missing student leads to worse and worse results.

In Marching Band, everyone is a starter!  When someone is missing, nothing can be changed or adjusted to accommodate it.  No one can come fill your place.  You’re literally irreplaceable!

As always when I have these attendance conversations, I stress that there are certain absences that can’t be avoided.  I’m realistic and understanding about that!  What we’re really trying to crack down on are absences that can be avoided.  Thanks for your help with this – it makes this a much better experience for your kids.”

back to top

What Do I Need to Bring to Practices, Football Games and Competitions?

Download this list of Supplies Needed for Marching Band to make sure your student is always prepared.

back to top

How to be in the Know (Communication)

BAND App

  • Download the Band app on your device or visit band.us on your computer. Then join the NPMK Parents group.
  • Enter your name, birthday, password and your relationship to a band member. You’ll be admitted after verification by Mr. Santanello.
  • This is where all communication will be posted including last-minute updates. Please enable push notifications so you don’t miss anything!
  • Feel free to post questions here for other parents. You can also use the Chat feature to text individuals or small groups privately.

Weekly Bulletin

  • This newsletter is emailed weekly on Sunday evenings. If you are not receiving the Bulletin, please contact npmarchingknights@gmail.com.

Calendar

  • Subscribe to the NP Band Google Calendar so that band dates automatically appear on your personal calendar. A link is provided at the bottom of the Weekly Bulletin. This calendar is synched with the calendar in the Band App.

Website

  • About Us/Who We Are – NPMA Board Members and Committee Chairs including email addresses.
  • Staff – The adults that help make our season a success!
  • Fundraising – Current and ongoing fundraising opportunities.
  • Family Resources – Tons of helpful information including the Weekly Bulletin, Parent Meeting Minutes, By-Laws and more!
  • Media – Our Flickr photo gallery, custom show art and NPMK logos.
  • Calendar – Up-to-date calendar of rehearsals and performances.

NPMK Parents

  • Reach out to the Student Leader parents or other parents!  A link to the NPMK Directory is in the upper-right corner of the Weekly Bulletin, or you can chat with them through the Band App.

Directors

back to top

How Much Does Marching Band Cost (Finances/Fees)?

Yes, it does cost money for your student(s) to participate in the Marching Knights.  The marching band program is pretty much self-funded, and in order to be able to afford staff and show necessities, participation fees are necessary.

Membership Fee

There is a standard fee for each student as well as additional costs for accessories such as shoes and gloves.  Fees vary each year.  To view details for our current season, visit the Registration page on our website.  Payments are broken into four monthly installments.  Our goal is to have every student that wants to participate, participate.  We don’t money to be an obstacle.  See “Knights in Need” below for information on financial assistance.

Cut Time

This app lists your fees owed, payments made, and any student credit (fundraising) earned. This is the portal for all student financials. Contact npma.studentfinancials@gmail.com to obtain access or if you have any questions.

Knights in Need (Financial Assistance)

Do not hesitate to take advantage of this resource, if needed!  A “Knights in Need” form must be completed and approved by the NPMA President and Director of Bands to qualify for use of these funds, and confidentiality is strictly protected.  Reach out to the Director for additional information. This program is funded through the generous donations of our membership and others in the community!

Football Game Tickets

Unless chaperoning or volunteering with Knight Crew or Concessions, you will need to purchase tickets to attend football games and see the NPMK perform.  Football tickets are $6 and must be purchased online at NPHS Athletic Event Ticketing. No cash tickets will be sold at the door.

Competition Tickets

Unless chaperoning or volunteering with Knight Crew, you will need to purchase tickets to attend competitions.  For most competitions, tickets can be purchased at the door for $10-15.  Most schools also sell Candy Grams or Air Grams for $2-5 so you can show your kid you’re proud of them!  These purchases help support the music program at the host school.  For MetLife performances, discount tickets are offered in advance through NPMA (~$35).  Watch the Weekly Bulletin for information on when and how to purchase.

Volunteer Discount

There is a Volunteer Discount Opt-in that reduces the Membership Fee by $100 in exchange for 12 hours of volunteering per family. There will be ample opportunities for parents and/or siblings to sign up for dozens of different volunteer activities. Hours will be tracked and recorded by NPMA.

  • Note that Cut Time shows your fees due WITHOUT the discount. Once your volunteer hours have been met, the discount will be credited to your account.
  • If you sign up for the Volunteer Discount but do not complete the 12-hour requirement. The final payment of $100 will be due in October.

back to top

What do I get for my Fees?

This is a general idea of what is covered by the membership fee. You can also view the Annual Budget on our website.

Competition Show

  • Highly trained staff. NPMA pays all staff salaries except the Directors (in 2022,
    23 staff members: $47,350)
  • Fees and equipment rentals (in 2022, >$6,000)
  • Show rights, design and props (in 2022, >$18,000).

Meals

  • Dinners for Band Camp, football games, and competitions (in 2022, 24 meals: >$7,000)
  • Concession stand discount for NPMK members at football games

Transportation

  • Charter buses for MetLife Nationals in November

Ice Cream Social

  • June Kick-off celebration

back to top

Are there Fundraising Opportunities?

Still in a bit of sticker shock?  There are ways to fundraise to offset the cost of fees. View the Weekly Bulletin and the Fundraising page on our website for current opportunities.

Individual Fundraising Opportunities:

These opportunities provide funds directly to your student’s account. All earned fundraising credit is tracked in Cut Time.

  • Wawa Coupons: Shorti coupons can be purchased for $5 each. For every coupon sold, the student receives $1 credit. Coupons do not expire.
  • Freddy Hill Tickets: Tickets for a game of minigolf are $6 and are good for any date. For every ticket sold, the student receives $1 credit. Tickets do not expire.
  • RaiseRight Gift Cards: Earn student credit by purchasing gift cards. Download the RaiseRight app on your device or visit raiseright.com on your computer.  Each gift card will specify the percentage of sales that goes towards your student’s account.  Orders for tangible gift cards are placed every other Sunday and are distributed after rehearsals on Thursday nights or at Hospitality Knight.  During the off-season, pick up of gift cards can be arranged with the coordinator. E-gift cards are ready to use once payment is completed. Direct any questions to npma.raiseright@gmail.com.
    • To sign up, use Enrollment Code: 3L9CAFEF13638
  • Philly Sports Raffle Tickets: These are usually available in late-July and are due in mid-September.  The drawing occurs in October.  Prizes are amazing!  For every $20 ticket sold, the student receives $10 credit.

General Funds Fundraising Opportunities:

These opportunities benefit the NPMA general account and are not student specified. Share these events with your friends and neighbors and on your socials!

  • Dine Arounds: Monthly restaurant fundraisers are scheduled year-round. Watch the Weekly Bulletin for details.
  • Bag BINGO: Held offsite in early-December. Each band section puts together a themed basket to raffle off at the event, coordinated by Section Leader parents.  This is a major fundraiser, and the goal is to include as many community members as possible.  Must be 21 or over to attend.
  • Poker Night: Held at the Cannoneers Club and includes all food and drinks for the evening along with a great time playing Texas hold ‘em. This event is open to anyone 21 years and older, not just band families.  Invite your family & friends!
  • Have a great idea to raise money? We’re always looking for new and innovative ideas. Contact npma.fundraising@gmail.com with your suggestions.

back to top

How do I make Payments?

Payment by Check

  • Make check out to NPMA.
  • Write your student’s name on the memo line.
  • Place in an envelope and label it with your student’s name and purpose of the payment.
  • Place it in the Blue Box in the band room. Typically, the Blue Box is located on a table to the left just inside the door of the band room. The NPMA President and Asst. Treasurer check this box regularly.

Payment by PayPal

General Notes

  • If you have more than 1 child in NPMK, there is no need to make more than one payment, simply note both children’s names, what the payment is for and how the payment should be divided. (ex: “Cece & Ricky Ahart, band fees, $100 each”)
  • Direct any questions regarding submitting payments to npma.assistanttreasurer@gmail.com.
  • Check Cut Time to view fundraising credit and your balance due. Direct any questions regarding Cut Time to npma.studentfinancials@gmail.com.

back to top

What are the Uniforms?         

The type of uniform to wear will be specified in the calendar entry for each performance.  Items marked with an asterisk (*) are purchased through NPMA during registration. Items marked with a double-asterisk (**) are issued by NPMA. For more information, download the NPMK Uniform Guide.

Summer Uniform

  • Worn at summer football games and other events when it’s too hot to wear traditional uniforms.
  • Blue NP Practice Shirt* (recommend ordering at least 2)
  • Black Shorts
  • Dinkles* (marching shoes)
  • Black Socks

Traditional Uniform 

  • Worn for parades and some football games.
  • Bib pants, jacket, citation cords**
  • Gauntlets** (winds players only, cuffs that wrap around the forearm)
  • Blue NP Practice Shirt*
  • Dinkles*
  • Black knee-length socks
  • Black gloves* (winds players only, recommend ordering at least 2)
  • Wristies* (percussion players only, recommend ordering at least 2)
  • Black shorts/base layer for under pants
  • Stadium Jacket** (worn in cooler weather)

Show Uniform 

  • Worn at competitions and some football games.
  • Custom uniform to fit the show theme**
  • Dinkles*
  • Black knee-length socks
  • Black gloves* (winds players only)
  • Wristies* (percussion players only)
  • Base layers as needed
  • Stadium Jacket**

Guard

  • Velvets** (worn when band is in Traditional Uniform)
  • Show Uniform** (worn when band is in Show Uniform)
  • Body Tights* (worn under Show Uniform)
  • Gloves
  • Tan Guard Shoes*

Cleaning Uniforms

  • Traditional uniform is Dry Clean Only. Do NOT machine wash or dry.
    • Spot clean as necessary. Take to a dry cleaner if significant cleaning is required. Kowloon Cleaners in Harleysville is preferred.
    • If hemming is needed, do NOT cut any material.
  • Stadium Jacket is machine washable, hang to air dry. Do NOT machine dry.
  • Show uniform cleaning instructions vary. Instructions will be given when uniforms are distributed.

Uniform Returns

  • Late May/Early June, after the Memorial Day parade
  • An email will be sent out in late May with the date/time/location for returns and specific directions on what needs to be returned.
  • Stadium Jackets should be washed and air dried prior to returning.
  • Traditional uniforms will be dry cleaned by NPMA in preparation for the next season.
  • Do not return: NP blue practice shirts, gloves, wristies & Dinkles
  • Make note of the condition of Dinkles and gloves/wristies so you know if you need to order new ones for next season.
  • Failure to return ALL pieces of the uniform will result in an obligation being recorded by the school district, which impacts your child’s ability to graduate.

back to top

How Can I Get Involved (Volunteer Opportunities)?

Volunteers are crucial for a successful Marching Band Season! The Volunteer Discount is $100 off the Participation Fee in exchange for 12 hours of volunteer service, but you can always volunteer additional hours!

Volunteer Opportunities

  • SignUp forms for thes opportunities will be posted in the Weekly Bulletin and Band App.
  • Join Knight Crew. Help create props at work sessions and get the band on and off the field at football games and competitions.
    • Get into football games and competitions for free.
    • Fun tailgates at competitions!
    • Join the Knight Crew Chat on the Band App to stay informed.
  • Sign up to be a Chaperone/Nurse at football games and competitions.
  • Work Concessions at football games. This is a huge fundraiser! 40-45 people are needed for each game.
    • Get into football games for free.
    • Siblings over the age of 14 can volunteer (their hours will also count towards volunteer service hours).
    • You can sign up for individual time slots. You don’t need to work the whole game.
  • Volunteer to chair a Knight of Sound committee or help on the day of the event. This is another huge fundraiser. We need every family to participate!
  • Assist with Band Camp, Football and Competition meals.
  • Keep an eye out for other opportunities in the Weekly Bulletin and Band App.

Other Ways to Get Involved and Show Your Support

  • Attend monthly Parent Meetings.
  • Purchase Swag – An online spirit wear sale will be held at the beginning of the season where you can order the “Show Shirt” and other NPMK merchandise. Some merchandise will also be available for purchase at Hospitality Knights.
  • Donate food for Band Camp, Football, and Competition meals. See the Weekly Bulletin for SignUps.
  • Attend competitions and cheer super loud!
  • Support our Sponsors – Wister’s BBQ, Vinny’s Pizzarama and Giuliano’s Deli provide a ton of food for the kids for free or at a discount!

back to top

Other Events

Hospitality Knights

The last hour of Thursday evening rehearsals. Come out and see what the students are working on and get a preview of the performance. It usually takes place on the turf field or the practice field adjacent to the tennis courts. Besides observing the band’s progress, this is a good chance to meet other parents, buy tickets to competitions, pickup RaiseRight gift cards, or purchase items such as spirit wear and Wawa hoagie coupons.

Knightmares

NPMK parents “perform” the show on the field.  We use makeshift instruments and uniforms and do our best to march in our kids’ footsteps. This usually takes place near the end of the season. The exact date is typically kept a secret from the kids and is a much anticipated and highly entertaining evening.

Halloween Party

The Band President hosts this event on a Sunday evening.

back to top

Random Stuff

Be on time! Report time is usually 30 minutes prior to rehearsal and is clearly marked on the calendar.

Make sure your child hydrates and doesn’t skip meals. The kids need water and good fuel to survive long rehearsal days. Energy drinks are prohibited by Mr. Santanello!

  • Clean your water jugs to avoid mold! Yes, members have used moldy water bottles in the past. Cleaning is necessary to avoid getting sick!
  • Santanello Pro Tip: Dunk the jug/bottle in a bleach bath, wash with soapy water, then rinse.

Friday Football Transportation for Middle School Students: Each middle school has a sports bus (activity bus) that goes to the high school at the end of the day. Middle school band members can take this bus, or parents can drop them off in time for rehearsal. Late arrival due to transportation from the middle schools is typically excused. Remember to bring your uniform to Thursday night practice.

Band Lot Traffic Flow: When dropping off and picking up from practices, please drive through the band lot in a counter-clockwise direction (see picture below). We also ask that you pull into a parking space rather than pulling up to the driveway to unload. It creates a traffic jam when a lot of cars are arriving at the same time. Thank you!

Friday and Saturday Night Pick-up:

  • After away football games and competitions, please don’t park along the sidewalk right outside the band lot. The buses need to park there to drop off the kids.  Additional parking is available in the “F lot” in front of the school.
  • On Saturdays after competitions, show your support by turning on your car’s flashers and gathering to cheer for the kids as they get off the buses!

Video Recording Policy: We can NOT put videos of our shows on social media. We purchase the rights to use the music in these programs, and posting our show on social media can cause NPMA to incur fines. We can record without sound or record sound without video, but not both.  We can live stream, but we cannot record and post to any websites.  If NPTV records our show, it is their responsibility if copyright laws are violated.  Reminder: NO POSTING OF ANY SHOWS!

back to top

The “OFF” Season

Marching Band season is over. Now what? There are several activities available in the winter and spring months.

Winter Percussion

Indoor marching performance group that includes Battery and Front Ensemble. No percussion experience needed. NPWP practices 3-4 times a week beginning after the Fall Marching Band season. The indoor competitive season begins in February and continues to early April. Open to grades 9-12. Directed by Sean Haddad (haddadsa@npenn.org).

Visual Ensemble

Indoor color guard performance group using recorded music. A background in gymnastics or dance is helpful, but not required. NPVE practices 2-3 times a week beginning after the Fall Marching Band season. The indoor competitive season begins in February and continues to early April. Open to grades 9-12. Directed by Matt Hurley (hurleymp@npenn.org).

Navy & Columbia Jazz Bands

  • Jazz ensembles are open to grades 10-12 by audition. Auditions are held in November.
  • The Navy Jazz Band is directed by David DiValentino (divaledm@npenn.org) and rehearses most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, 2:45 – 4:45PM, from December to April.
  • The Columbia Jazz Band is directed by Joe Santanello (santanjj@npenn.org) and rehearses every Wednesday night, 7:00 – 9:00PM, from December to April.

back to top

Close Menu