Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band
The History behind the "WAHOO!" cheer.
As a rookie band parent, you are told:
"This is the cheer that started many years ago.
We are the only band to do this at any competition! When the band members are lined
up and ready to take the field for competition, an appointed band parent yells:
"NAZARETH ... On 'Three' ... ONE -- TWO -- THREE --"
(all the band parents in the stands yell:) "WAHOO!"
and at the same time, ring hand bells. (It means:
'You're the best!
You're Terrific!
You can do it!
WE LOVE YOU!')
... and, while the sound is still echoing around the stadium, the band yells it right back to the parents."
But - you ask...how did it get started? and why ?
Jennifer Tanzos, member of the 1978-82 band, and Staff from 1982 to Present, tells
the tale...
"Many have queried, many have guessed, many have assumed, but allow me to debunk the mystery and
enlighten you on the origin of 'WAHOO!'.
Our story begins in 1981, when Mr. Boandl's brothers, Bob and Ron, along with their friend Jeff, decided it would be a good
idea to yell something inspiring in unison to a very young an inexperienced band as a way to show
their support. It had to be original, unique, and motivating, something those kids could grasp onto
for courage and inspiration. They came up with.......'WAHOO!'
Why 'WAHOO!', you may ask? A certain affection for 'Yukon Cornelius',
the star of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,
was the source of this exclamation." (WEBmaster's note - this is a video, described as: "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
It's sure to be a holly, jolly Christmas for fans of this animated classic, narrated by Burl Ives. The talented reindeer escapes the
clutches of the Abominable Snowman ("Bumbles bounce!"), in time to lead Santa's team. With help from Herbie the dentist elf
and Yukon Cornelius, a silver and gold treat! 53 min.)
"Mind you, back then the proper pronunciation
was:
'WAH-HOOOOOOOOOOOO'
....with the emphasis on the second syllable. In 1982, several graduates joined
the staff and spoke of how that simple chant of 'WAHOO!' meant a lot to them, and the staff decided
to continue, without fail, to shout 'WAHOO!' before every performance. After a while, a few curious
parents wondered what the heck the staff was shouting. The cheer took off, spreading like wildfire into the stands
as the parents joined into what now is synonymous with the Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band."
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