I was lucky enough to be a member of MAHS Marching Band for 5 years.  I also participated in Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Vocality, Sax Quintet and pit performances.  The experience of being in marching band, along with all of the other opportunities that Moon’s Music Department offers, has helped me beyond measure.  The discipline and time management skills that Moon’s Music Program has given me is helping me so much in my current path as I pursue an Engineering Degree and Music Minor at Penn State.  While here at Penn State, I am also marching with the Penn State Blue Band.  Marching with the Blue Band has introduced me to so many extremely talented and accomplished musicians.  With this new Blue Band experience, I can honestly look back and say that Moon Area School District’s Music Department and program is second to none.  I would like to again thank Mr. Barthen, the Moon Music Department, and the entire Moon Band extended family for all that you have done for me to prepare me so well for my future. 

I was a 5-year color guard member in the Moon Area High School Marching Band & Winter Guard.  This organization taught me many things.  One, that has proved to be valuable, is that in life you will have to work with people from all walks of life.  You may love them or not at first, but they could become your very best friends and family.  In band, we all were after the common goal to be better walking off of the field at PIMBA Championships than we were walking onto it for the first day of band camp.  I also learned that one of the best things anyone can do is to love and treasure music.  On days of sorrow and days of joy, Mr. Barthen would never let that emotion go to waste.  When all 100+ members of the band came together and put everything we had into a practice or performance, the result was like nothing anyone could ever imagine.  Currently, I am taking these lessons I have learned and applying them at Youngstown State University while I work towards my undergraduate Music Education degree. I am also a color guard member in the YSU Marching Pride.