North Star's Drum Major for 2024! 

Denise Pantanella

Denise (Berube) Pantanella began her Drum and Bugle Corps experience in 1973, at the age of 11, marching in the color guard of the K of C Comets All-Girl Drum and Bugle Corps of Salem, MA.

In 1976, the K of C Comets reorganized as Arbella Drum and Bugle Corps of Salem and Denise moved to the mellophone line. In 1979, Denise was selected as Drum Major, leading Arbella through an undefeated season, culminating with the DCI All-Girl Championship trophy. DCI history was made that year, as Arbella came back from a 4-point prelim deficit to win the All-Girl championship. Denise continued as Drum Major throughout a major reorganization, as Arbella became a co-ed Drum and Bugle Corps.

In 1982, Denise met her future husband, Michael Pantanella, when he joined the Arbella soprano line. She fell in love with Mike and his musical talents. After Drum and Bugle Corps, Denise joined Mike in their wedding band “Satin Doll” and performed with that band for over 10 years.

Denise graduated from Lesley College with a degree in Education and began her career as a Teacher of Children with Moderate Special Needs and Elementary Education.

In 1985, Denise and Mike were married, and actually performed at their own wedding with their band! They have been happily married (and have been performing together) for almost 40 years.

Denise and Mike are still active musicians, performing in their party band “One Moe Time”. Mike also marches in the Crusaders Senior Corps of Boston and performs in the New Legacy Swing Band, as both a trumpeter and vocalist. He also performs with the Voices of Hope, a charity organization that performs shows and raises money for cancer research.

Denise and Mike’s two children are both musically inclined and have both marched in the Spartans Drum Corps of Nashua, NH. Matthew is a drum set player and multi-instrumentalist. He currently works as a pit musician in professional theater and also plays in several bands. He is also a drum/percussion instructor and gives private lessons. Erica marched in Tewksbury High School’s Color guard and Winter guard, Spartans of Nashua Color guard and Arbella Winter guard. She also plays several instruments and sings. She currently works as a massage therapist and personal trainer.

Denise retired in 2022 after 34 years of teaching. Along with performing, Denise enjoys painting murals, creating mosaics, gardening, traveling, cooking, and working around her house.