Marching Band
Description
Moon Area High School Marching Band is a state-of-the-art competitive marching band. Each year the band explores the latest trends in competitive marching band. Marching Band at Moon Area is a co-curricular activity offered for band students participating in Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble. The marching band also serves as an outlet for students interested in the realm of state-of-the-art design, performance, social, and competitive opportunities.
Performances
The marching band performs at all varsity football games. The group also performs at competitive contests and festivals; approximately 5 contests per season. The marching band also performs various community support appearances based on need and accessibility.
Rehearsals
Freshman Camp
3 days, meeting from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. after school during the month of May
Summer Rehearsal
Approximately 12 hours of rehearsal during June and July
Home Band Camp
Begins the last week of July and is held at Moon Area High School. All students are required to attend
Away Band Camp
Held during the first week of August and is held at Washington and Jefferson College. Students stay on campus the entire week. All students are required to attend.
School Day Rehearsals 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. rehearsal Monday (AUX and PERC), Tuesday (WINDS), Thursday FULL).
Sectional Rehearsal
Additional rehearsals devoted to just the students of a particular section (i.e. Percussion, Guard, Saxophones, etc.).
Extra Rehearsals
Typically one or two Saturday rehearsals in the months of September and October.
Please refer to the Music Department Calendar for scheduled performances.
Staff
Nick Barthen – Director of Bands
Abby Finkelstein - Assistant Director
Alan Fear – Associate Director/Director of Percussion
Jenn Minamyer – Color Guard Director
Rob Traugh – Outdoor Program Coordinator/Wind Arranger
Thomas Sparling – Outdoor Visual Designer
Evan Brown – Outdoor Electronics Designer
Notable Performances
Nine time Walt Disney World Magic Music Days Participant
WPXI/MACY’S Celebrate the Seasons Parade
Kennywood Park Fall Fantasy Parade - Annually
Awards
2024 Bands of America/Music for All Mid-Altantic Regional Class 2A 3rd Place
2024 Bands of America/Music for All Mid-Altantic Regional 4th Place Finalist
2023 Bands of America/Music for All Northwest Ohio Regional Finalist
2019 Bands of America/Music for All Central Ohio Regional Finalist
2018 Bands of America/Music for All Northeastern Regional Finalist
2017 Bands of America/Music for All Northeastern Regional Class 2A Champion
2017 Bands of America/Music for All Northeastern Regional 4th Place Finalist
2016 Bands of America/Music for All Eastern Regional Class 2A Champion
2016 Bands of America/Music for All Eastern Regional Finalist Runner-Up
2013, 2015 Bands of America/Music For All Eastern Regional Participant
2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2016 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association 4A Runner-up
2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Ban Association 4A Third Place
2010, 2011 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association 4A Champions
