BAND

Band is a full-year course. It will be separated into three distinct sections: woodwind, brass, and percussion. Students in the band will learn music theory and perform together as an ensemble. Students will be responsible for all scheduled after school and evening dress rehearsals and performances throughout the year. Performances include school concerts, local and regional parades, and scheduled community events. The band performs standard band music, as well as contemporary and popular music. Band members are eligible to audition for district, regional, and state band after their freshman year. Please contact Mr. Massimo or Mr. Olimpi for more information regarding policies, requirements, and grading procedures.

Director - Mr. Massimo

The Marple Newtown Tiger Marching Band is a competitive activity that meets after school, and in the evenings. This group performs at football games, pep rally's, competitions other various public performances throughout the year. A detailed list of all rehearsals and performances can be found on the Charms calendar. Student expectations for the Marching Band are the same as for Band (course 7880) except that students do not currently receive a grade for their participation.

This group of young adults are exceptional students, with a grade point average that hovers around ninety percent, which is well above the school average. A large portion of graduating band members go on to participate in college bands (many collecting scholarship money to do so). Other alumni have been members of the James Madison Marching Royal Dukes, Penn State Blue Band, Duke University Marching Band, University of Michigan Marching Band, Notre Dame Band of the Fighting Irish, and the West Chester University Marching Band to name a few. The The Marple Newtown Tiger Marching Band has always had a fine tradition of success, including winning three Cavalcade of Bands open-class championships (2014, 2015 and 2016) and performing a field show on ice at the Icecapades (1975).

Director - Mr. Olimpi

Assistant Director - Ben Fastman

The Competition Jazz Band is an auditioned competitive activity that meets from September to May both before school, after school, and in the evenings. This group performs various public concerts throughout the year, including a number of adjudicated festivals during the spring. A detailed list of all rehearsals and performances can be found on the Charms calendar. Student expectations for the Competition Jazz Band are the same as for Band (course 7880) except that Competition Jazz Band students do not currently receive a grade for their participation. Instrumentation currently includes Flute, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trombone, Trumpet, Drum Set, Auxiliary Percussion, Upright/Electric Bass, Piano, and Guitar.

Director - Mr. Massimo

Jazz Lab Band is an introduction to jazz performance for musicians who have limited background in jazz. This ensemble treats jazz as a medium for creative self-expression. All students are expected to contribute to the group as improvising soloists. Students work within a small jazz ensemble to select, prepare, and perform jazz pieces in a variety of styles. Students will gain experience in choosing works appropriate to the available instrumentation and the capabilities of the musicians, working out ensemble arrangements from lead sheets, and dealing with the social dynamics of a jazz group.

Director - Mr. Olimpi

The Marple Newtown Indoor Percussion Ensemble is an ensemble that exists within the Marple Newtown Band Program. Rehearsals are one to two times per week from 6-9 p.m. beginning in December and carrying through the rest of the school year with competitions on Saturdays. Our strongest goal is to provide an educational environment for the performer and the listener. Through rehearsals and performances we will strive to create an enjoyable show where students can learn musicianship, responsibility, team-work and pride. Being a member requires a strong dedication to work and trustworthiness to be personally accountable for your responsibilities.

Director - Ben Fastman

The Marple Newtown Winter Guard is an ensemble that exists within the Marple Newtown Band Program. Rehearsals are one to two times per week from 6-9 p.m. beginning in December and carrying through the rest of the school year with competitions on Saturdays. Winter Guard is a vehicle for teaching students how to be successful adults through teamwork, time management, working towards a common goal, and public performance. The art and activity of marching is one that combines quality music with an effective visual presentation. Through consistent and positive instruction, it is the goal of the professional staff to provide students and audiences with both a highly competitive, yet equally entertaining show.

Director - Vinnie Cavallaro

Marple Newtown Steel Tigers is an ensemble that exists within the Marple Newtown Band Program. Our strongest goal is to provide an educational environment for the performer and the listener. Through rehearsals and performances we will strive to create an enjoyable show where students can learn musicianship, responsibility, team-work and pride. Being a member requires a strong dedication to work and trustworthiness to be personally accountable for your responsibilities.

Director - Mr. Olimpi