Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band
Leadership
The personality of any organization frequently mirrors that of its leadership, and the Nazareth
Blue Eagle Marching Band is no exception. From the dynamic 1985 Band (the first to break "80" in Competition
Finals), to the incredible 1997 Band (Dual Champions - CMBC Group 3 Open Champion and Tournament of Bands Group 3 Champion), followed by the 2000 & 2002 USSBA Group 3 Open Champions, Nazareth's Marching Bands have reflected the characteristics of its student leadership.
With all that has changed through the years, a constant shared by all
competitive Nazareth Marching Bands has been quality musicianship. A great deal of credit for this
musical excellence must go to the person who had held the position of Band Director from 1979 - present,
Mr. William J. Boandl.
What is Band Camp?
Our season begins with Band Camp during the last few weeks of August. Everyone meets at the parking lot at Mitchell Ave. -- that means learning the steps, the moves and the routines, but it also means
learning the rituals, the traditions, and the history of one of the best marching bands in the country. The weeks
can be tough because we're pretty set in our ways here, but you'll return home and know it was all worth it.
Question:
"I'm really worried about doing Marching Band and still having time to study and get good grades..."
Response:
You'll find that the vast majority of NABEMB are people just like you. Every
year, freshmen join us worried that Marching Band will cause them to fail out. Well, its funny, but
we've sort of found that some of the smartest and down-to-earth people reside in the Marching Band. In fact, most people will
tell you that the more involved you get with activities, the more prone you are to be more active and enjoy more
success in your classes. After Band Camp, NABEMB will occupy about 12 hours of your week,
excluding gamedays and competitions -- and you will soon find that those are some of the most valued hours of your week. People in NABEMB
have Blue blood, and everyone knows people with blue blood are smarter.
You can do it. Tell your parents you won't fail out. Tell 'em they need to chill out, because high school ain't just books (and just to
be on the safe side, you can let them know that the Mellophone player you march next to is a senior who took every class you
have and is happy to help you out!)
What do we do during "off-season"?
A lot of the band members are involved in sports. Many of us are in the Concert Band, Jazz Band and or the Percussion Ensemble. There are even some of us who participate in the Chorus and Drama Club.
And now - purely in jest -
Are you a "Bando" ?
Can you "talk the talk" ? - check out the Band Glossary
Questions?
E-mail: webmaster@nabemb.org