Click here for the latest competition scores.
Click here for the latest competition scores.
The Nazareth Area “Blue Eagle” Marching Band traveled to Giants Stadium on Nov. 10 to compete in the USSBA Northern States Championship. The Blue Eagles were awarded 1st place with a score of 97.575 and captured the awards for Best Visual & Best Overall Effect. Congratulations and WAHOO!
Click on the link to the VideoBlog from our home page to follow the Blue Eagles throughout the season.
The Nazareth Area “Blue Eagle” Marching Band will celebrate “25 Years of Competitive Marching Band” as they are about to begin their 2005 Band Competition Season. The anniversary show features a “musical favorite” from each of the past 3 decades. The show opens with the excitement of “In Caelum Fero” (2003) … moves to the simplistic beauty of “Through The Eyes Of Love” – Theme from Ice Castles (1981-1983) … and concludes with the power and energy of “Russian Christmas Music” (1997 & 1999).
The Nazareth Area “Blue Eagle” Band Parents wish to invite former NAHS marching band members to join in the celebration by offering NAHS Marching Band Alumni FREE ADMISSION to the Annual “Blue Eagle” SOUNDFEST on Saturday, October 8 (5:00 PM). Just enter through the Liberty Street gate on October 8th and check in at the Alumni Band table. At check in you will be asked to supply your name …year(s) of participation in the “Blue Eagle” Band … instrument played or position held in the band (officer, colorguard, majorette, Drum Major, etc) … and date of graduation.
Continuing with the celebration, we are looking for Nazareth High School Band Alumni to perform immediately after the Nazareth Area High School “Blue Eagle” Marching Band performs in exhibition that evening. If you (or someone you know) is interested, please contact Alicia Nobel ASAP! (email – alicianobel@hotmail.com OR phone – 610-746-7824)
If you want to see the Nazareth Marching Band in action, we now have video of our performance in the USSBA Lehigh Valley Regional. Click here to check it out or go to our sights page for a link.
The guestbook for the Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Webpage has recovered lost entries between August and now. They have now been restored. Check them out! They are inspiring! Thank you to all who have sent us your thoughts.
The twenty-first Annual Blue Eagle Soundfest was held on Saturday, October 11 under a starry October sky. The weather was beautiful, the bands were great, and the food was fabulous! Special thanks to all the band parents who worked so hard to make the evening happen. The Blue Eagles put on a dynamite exhibition, earning an outstanding 86.25 from the adjudicators. Great job kids!
Pictured above is Senior Matt T. on stage Wednesday night, October 8th at New Jersey's Continental Airlines Arena with Country star Shania Twain!!!!!
The Nazareth Blue Eagle Marching Band has reached the mid-point of their 2003 competition season with an undefeated record so far. In the season opener at North Penn HS on Sept. 13, Nazareth defeated Upper Moreland HS with a strong performance that earned them the highest overall score of the evening plus the Overall Best General Effect and Overall Best Percussion Awards. Next, it was on to Connecticut where Nazareth faced some outstanding New England bands including last year's Group IV Champs, Cheshire HS. Nazareth once again put on a strong performance and scored the highest mark of the night and captured the Best Marching, Best Music and Best Overall Effect awards. The third week of our season took us to Ridley HS in the afternoon, where Nazareth scored a 76.6, then off to Greencastle-Antrim where they scored a consistant 76.7 and was awarded all caption awards. Up next for the Blue Eagles is Northampton HS competition on Oct. 4, then our home show, the 21st Annual Blue Eagle Soundfest on Oct. 11. The final week before Championships finds us at the Lehigh Valley Regional, Allentown on Oct. 18 and the Trenton Regional on Oct. 19. Championships will be held on October 25th in Giants Stadium.
Despite threatening skies, the 2003 Blue Eagle Marching Band held it's first public performance on Thursday, June 12. The "Parent Preview" event, held annually, kicked off what hopes to be an exciting season. The band performed marching maneuvers and the guard performed fundamentals. The highlight of the evening was the performance of some of the music for next year. The entire unit performed the opener, and the winds performed the ballad. The students and staff are excited about the music and the potential of this season's show. The USSBA Group 3 Open Champion Blue Eagles will defend their title on October 25 at Giants Stadium.
The 2003 edition of the Blue Eagle Marching Band is off and rolling with the announcement of Amy L. as next year's drum major.
Also, the officers for next year are:
Matt T. - President
Jennifer J. - Vice-President
Sasha K. - Secretary
Sean O. - Treasurer
John M., Ed M. - Librarian
Kelly S. - Quartermaster
Congratulations to all and we look forward to a great season!
A rather successful year for our marching band students in PMEA competition has been capped off with not one, but two students moving on to represent Nazareth at the State Level. Senior Jeff S., cornet, and Junior Matt T., battery percussion, have been chosen to attend the State Festival based on their re-audition at the Regional level. Congratulations to both for an outstanding achievement!
The 2003 Edition of the award-winning Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band is beginning to take shape with the start of Rookie Try-out/Training Sessions. After an unusually large rookie class last year, this year we have an unusually small rookie contingent, with the majority of these students interested in guard. Click here to see some pictures of the training sessions.
Several
Marching Band Members Selected for PMEA Regional Festivals
After 3 successful District 10 events, several Nazareth Area Blue
Eagle Marching Band members were chosen to move on to All-State
Regional Festivals. They are:
Region V Chorus:
Alto:
Amy L. - Sophomore
Laura S. - Junior
Tenor (Alternate 1):
Matt M. - Sophomore
Region V Band:
Clarinet:
Jennifer J. - Junior
Cornet:
Jeff S. - Senior
Battery Percussion:
Matt T. - Junior
Region IV-V Orchestra:
Percussion:
Matt T. - Junior
Congratulations and best of luck in State Auditions!
Marching Band Students Participate in PMEA District 10 Festivals!
Several Blue Eagle Marching Band students have been selected
to participate in various PMEA District 10 Festivals.
They are:
District 10 Chorus Participants:
Altos -
Amy L. - Sophomore
Laura S. - Junior
Tenor -
Matt M. - Sophomore
District 10 Concert Band Participants:
Clarinet -
Jennifer J. - Junior
Sarah S. - Freshman
Cornet -
Jeff S. - Senior
Rachel S. - Junior
Battery Percussion -
Matt T. - Junior
District 10 Orchestra Participants:
Trumpet -
Jeff S. - Senior
Percussion -
Brian K. - Senior
Matt T. - Junior
Congratulations and Good Luck in Regional Auditions!
End - of - Year Party!!!!!
The marching band students were rewarded for their
Championship Season by an extra special "end-of-year"
party.This year's celebration consisted of the usual dance, but
an overnight sleep-over & party were added to mark this
special season. After the dance, ping-pong tables were set up in
the auditorium lobby, a massive twister game was held in the band
room, and a movie was shown in the auditorium. Festivities
continued on until 2 am, when boys bunked down in the chorus room
and girls to the band room (and the chaperones in the hall!)
Special thanks to the Band Boosters who have capped off a very
exciting and remarkable season.
Click here to see pictures
Crushendo Makes It's Debut!
Inspired by the stage show "Blast!" which is
comprised of drum corps theatrics transferred to indoor stages,
the marching band members have created an indoor ensemble of
their very own. Called "Crushendo," about thirty
members performed "Bohemian Rhapsody" while executing
an intricate drill down-sized for the stage. What's even more
impressive about this group is that it was designed by the
students themselves. Director Steve B., who created the drill,
was assisted by co-directors Brian K. and Matt T. (who also wrote
the percussion arrangements.) Their debut performance was at the
annual Music Department Talent Show. Great job, kids!
Click here to see pictures
Nazareth Blue Eagle Marching Band Wins USSBA Group 3 Pennsylvania State Championship
November 2002 - The Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band traveled to Scranton on Saturday, November 2, to compete in the USSBA Pennsylvania State Championships. Nazareth was awarded first place in Group 3 with a score of 92.65. They also captured awards for Best Music, Best Marching and Best Overall Effect.
Marching Band and Local Artist Collaborate
October 2002 - The Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band is very proud to present its newest element for this year's field show, a mural by local artist Barry Hoch. The music for this year's show is "Symphony #9, from the New World" by Antonin Dvorak. The Czech composer came to America in 1892, during which Symphony #9 was written. His music was influenced by local folktunes and spirituals that inspired him during his stay in this young country.
During the Summer, when the marching band show was taking shape, the band staff had an idea of utilizing some sort of visual "picture" during the Symphony's 2nd movement, the idyllic "Largo." The original thought was of a pastoral scene, perhaps mountains and such. The staff then contacted Nazareth's own Barry Hoch, an artist whose work is well known throughout the valley. During collaborative meetings with Mr. Hoch, the simple picture of scenery evolved into a beautiful "geography lesson" of America. Airbrushed on eight panels that are 5 ft. high and 10 ft. wide, for a total of 80 ft. wide, the mural takes us from the rocky coast of Maine to the Golden Gate Bridge...in essence "...from sea to shining sea." There are several landmarks along the way to help visualize this "roadmap" of America, along with this country's most beautiful vistas. A very special thank you to Mr. Hoch, who embraced this project and produced an exquisite piece of art.
Click on the animated mural image to see more!
2002 Band
Picnic
On August 19, 2002 the Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band had
its annual Band Picnic. A great time was had by all! Special
kudos to the team of Boandl/Matt T. who once again reigned
supreme in the Basketball 2-on-2 competition. Applause to our
hosts who have welcomed the band picnic for the last several
years. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!!!
2002 Edition of Nazareth
Blue Eagle Marching Band off and running!
August, 2002 - The Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band, 2002
Edition, is off the ground and running with the start of band
camp. The 2002 Blue Eagles will field a band of 98 members, 45 of
those are young and eager rookies! The football season begins
August 30 against Freedom HS and the competitive season starts on
September 21 at Phoenixville, PA. Nazareth will once again
compete in the USSBA (United States Scholastic Band Association)
circuit and will be classified as Group 3 Open. Our championships
will be held this year at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown on
November 16, 2002. Highlights of our competitive season include
our own Soundfest, on October 19, the USSBA Pennsylvania State
Championships, Lackawanna County Stadium, November 2, and an
excursion to Connecticut to participate in the US Coast Guard's
prestigious Windjammer Invitational, October 26. Other stops
include: Sept. 28- North Warren, Blairstown, NJ, Oct. 5 -
Greencastle-Antrim, PA, Oct. 12 - Lehigh Valley Regional,
Allentown, PA, Nov. 9 - Hammonton HS, NJ. This season marks the
return of longtime drill designer, Rick Boandl. Also joining the
organization this year is Brad Boandl as Brass Technician. The
rest of the "staff cast" remains the same.
And One Moves
On!
Four Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band members participated
in the PMEA Region V State Band Festival, at York Suburban HS in
York, PA on February 21-23, 2002. The best 142 students from 165
schools in fifteen counties in Pennsylvania attended the
festival. Nazareth was one of the larger contingent of students
with three schools sending five students and three schools
sending four students. The first task for the students when they
arrived was to audition for seating and advancement to the PMEA
All State Band Festival to be held in Philadelphia, PA on April
17-20, 2002. Senior Baritone player Jim W. was selected
first chair baritone and will advance to states. After Auditions,
the students then began rehearsals and presented two fantastic
concerts. Great job kids and once again congratulations!
Congratulations Jim and best of luck at the State Band Festival!
Four Students Move On to
Regionals!!!
Four Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band members will
participate in the PMEA Region V State Band Festival, to be held
at York Suburban HS in York, PA on February 21-23, 2002. They
are:
Seniors
Dianne S. - Trombone
Jim W. - Baritone
Junior
Jeff S. - Trumpet
Sophomore
Matt T. - Snare
Congratulations and best of luck at Regionals and in your audition for the State Band Festival!
2nd Annual Spaghetti Dinner/Auction - February 23
The Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Band Parents will be hosting their second annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, February 23. The dinner will be held at the Nazareth Area Middle School Cafeteria from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Tickets are $6.50 for Adults, $5.00 for Senior Citizens and children 6-12, children under 6 are free. In conjuction with the dinner, the Band Parents will also host a Silent Auction. Items may include crafts, baskets, services, etc. Entertainment will be provided by Marching Band members in small ensembles.
Eight Students Chosen for 2002 PMEA District 10 Band/Orchestra/Chorus Festivals
Eight Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band Members were chosen to participate in 2002 PMEA District 10 Festivals this year.
District Band - January 18-20 at East
Stroudsburg HS North.
Senior Dianne S. - Trombone
Senior Jim W. - Baritone
Junior Jeff S. - Trumpet
Junior Glenn W. - Alto Saxophone
Sophomore Matt T. - Snare
District Orchestra - January 24-26 at
Southern Lehigh HS.
Junior Brian K. - Percussion
District Chorus - February 7-9 at
Liberty HS.
Senior Stephanie C. - Alto
Senior Steve U. - Bass
Check out the USSBA website, Nazareth pictures
The revamped USSBA website features pictures of Nazareth students in it's new design. Jen M. is featured as the USSBA "button" on the menu across the top, and Lauren B. can be seen in the random pictures found in the lower left of the USSBA pages. You can visit the website at www.yea.org.
New drill designer, staff announced
June 2001 - The Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band has a new drill designer. Mr. Eric Kitchenman will undertake the design of the marching band's drill for the 2001 Fall season. Mr. Kitchenman will join Brandon Cochenour and the recently resigned, but not leaving altogether former band director, Frank Felix on the visual staff. Heading the guard will be Charise and Chris Heater in their second year at Nazareth after winning the guard caption at championships in their inaugural season. Longtime staff members, Matt and Jen Tanzos will once again lead the award winning percussion section.
He's baaaaack! Mr. Boandl returns!
May 29, 2001 - Former band director, Mr. William J. Boandl, is now the current band director once again. He has agreed to return to podium as the director of the Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band, a position he had held for twenty-one years before his retirement last year. After a year off, Mr. Boandl is excited to return to the organization. Welcome back Mr. B.!
Mr. Felix resigns
May 21, 2001 - Mr. Felix announced today that he will be resigning as band director of the Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band. Citing an inability to devote time to his classes and his growing Nazareth Area Senior High Chorus and it's small ensembles, Mr. Felix will leave the position after a highly successful season. It was just last year that long-time band director, Mr. Boandl, resigned after 20+ years in that position. Mr. Felix was hired last June to helm the award-winning Blue Eagles. He led them to an undefeated season and captured the Group 3 Open USSBA Championship in November.
Rick Boandl, drill designer resigns
March 2001 - Longtime drill designer, Rick Boandl has informed the Blue Eagle Marching Band that he will resign, effective the end of the school year. Rick began designing the drill for the Blue Eagles in 1992 and has continually challenged the students with demanding and creative moves.
New Sounds
We now have sound clips of our most recent field shows as well as some blasts from the past. Go to our Sounds page and check out the Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Bands of the past.
One Student moves into the
first chair at States!!!!
Four Students participated in the PMEA Regional Band Festival and
one was selected to go on to States. Clayton S. a senior trombone
player was that student. At the PMEA All-State Band Festival the
students were re-auditioned and Clayton was selected first chair
of the trombone section. Congratulations on an outstanding
accomplishment Clayton and best of luck in the future!
Four Students Move On to
Regionals!!!
Nazareth High School was the host of the 2001 PMEA District 10
Band Festival. A total of 142 talented musicians from 57 high
schools participated in a wonderful and successful event. During
the festival, the students re-audition with the hopes of being
selected to participate in the Regional Band Festival. Of the
nine Nazareth students participating, four were selected for the
Regional Band Festival. They are:
Senior
Clayton S. - Trombone
Jen W. - Clarinet
Junior
Jim W. - Baritone
Sophomore
Jeff S. - Trumpet
Congratulations and best of luck at Regionals and in your audition for the State Band Festival!
Nine Students to Participate
in District Band!!!
This year, nine Nazareth Area School District students will
participate in the PMEA District XI Concert Band which this year
will be held at our own Nazareth High School. This breaks our
previous record of eight students in any given year.
Congratulations and good luck as you proceed to regional
competition.
Seniors
Aaron B. - Trumpet
Rebecca B. - French Horn
Patrick M. - Trombone
Clayton S. - Trombone
Jen W. - Clarinet
Juniors
Dianne S. - Trombone
Jim W. - Baritone
Sophomores
Jeff S. - Trumpet
Glenn W. - Alto Saxaphone
Nazareth Soundfest a great
success!
The Nazareth Blue Eagle Soundfest was held on October 21, with
one of the largest crowds in Soundfest history. The gorgeous fall
weather enticed many to come and enjoy the performance of 15
bands (or could it have been the cheesesteaks!) To find out the
results of our competition, please click on the Soundfest menu
bar. The host band, the Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band,
electrified the home crowd and scored an outstanding 92.7 in
exhibition. Congratulations to all the seniors who have
participated in their final Soundfest. A
VERY BIG THANK YOU to all the parents who have worked
together to make this Soundfest a success. To Co-chairpersons,
Jim Goldman & Barb Houser and all committee heads and
refreshment stand chairpersons, thank you for your tireless
efforts. Without people like you, the evening would not have been
as successful as it was.
Band camp
comes to an end!?!
Nazareth Blue
Eagle Marching Band Members, Alumni and Staff participate in DCI
This year, a large group of Blue Eagle Band Members and Alumni, as well as former band director, Mr. Boandl and current band director, Mr. Felix, participated in the summer youth activity, Drum Corps International. Current member Emily F. marched with the Crossmen as well as Pat M., who marched with the DCI Co-World Champion Cadets. Joining them in this activity were 2000 alumni Dave T. & Scott T. who marched with the Crossmen, and 1999 alumni Tim H. who marching with the Phantom Regiment. Mr. Boandl & Mr. Felix were members of the Crossmen staff. Congratulations to all for a job well done!
Mr. Frank Felix Announced as
New Band Director!!!
On Monday, May 22, Mr. Frank Felix was appointed by the school
board to head the award winning Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching
Band. Mr. Felix, a 1992 graduate of Northampton HS and a 1996
graduate of Lebanon Valley College, has been the visual
coordinator for the Blue Eagles since 1997. He is the senior high
chorus director, a position which he obtained in 1996 and has
since transformed a once ailing activity into a thriving success.
He also teaches various music courses at Nazareth. An alumni of
the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps, he is now the corps visual
coordinator and will be touring with the world class group this
summer. Congratulations Mr. Felix!
Mr. Boandl retires.
Longtime band director, Mr. William Boandl, announced to staff,
students and band parents that he would retire from his marching
band duties with the conclusion of the Memorial Day Parade. Mr.
Boandl began his career at Nazareth in the Spring of 1979 and has
nurtured the Blue Eagles into one of the most successful marching
bands in our region. He will remain at the High School as concert
band, jazz ensemble & wind ensemble director, along with
teaching various music classes. We all wish Mr. B a happy
retirement, although we can be sure to see him in the stands with
a cowbell and pompom, wearing blue of course!!!
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