Calling Meyersdale band alumni to perform at football game

MEYERSDALE ― A football game wouldn't be the same without the music to get the crowds whipped into a thunderous roar. Once you play in a marching band, you will always remember that excitement.

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Meyersdale's high school marching band is inviting Meyersdale band alumni to join the band Sept. 27, as Meyersdale continues to celebrate its 150th-anniversary celebration. Alumni band members will join the high school band on the field before the game to play the National Anthem and alma mater, said Katie Howard, Meyersdale Area High School band director.

"Since Meyersdale is celebrating its 150th birthday this year and has had many events honoring our town's history, I wanted to try to do an alumni band night to celebrate the rich musical history of our school's past," Howard said in an email.

Meyersdale will face the Berlin Mountaineers that evening.

In addition, band alumni are invited to stay and join the high school band in the stands to play stand tunes during the game. For those who do not have an instrument to play, contact Howard to make arrangements to borrow an instrument.

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"We've casually done alumni band nights in the past, but not since COVID," Howard said. "It has previously just been by word of mouth and we only get a couple of alumni. The alumni who come are typically recently graduated. We're hoping that this year we will draw more former band members to join us on the field, even if they opt not to play and would just be willing to be recognized."

All those interested in attending are asked to plan to join the band for a quick rehearsal at 5:45 p.m. Sept. 27 at the band room doors, located at the high school. Copies of music to be played will also be distributed.

To commemorate this special evening, the band is offering a special T-shirt order through Apex Screen Printing. Participants have the option of putting their graduation year on the sleeve. Orders will be distributed the night of the performance. Orders are due by Sept. 13, and may be placed through the link: https://www.apexscreeninc.com/meyersdale-marching-band-closes-9-13. The Google form survey available to indicate interest is at https://forms.gle/twMGpLTXPKp9qXE57.

"If anyone is interested in being recognized or purchasing a shirt, but does not want to play, we welcome them as well to join us on the field to recognize their contribution to our still-strong music program as former members of the band," Howard said.

She said members are excited to have family and friends join them for this special evening of music and reminiscing.

Madolin Edwards has been a journalist at the Daily American for 37 years, covering school boards, borough councils, sports and new stories. Contact the Daily American reporters at news@dailyamerican.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Marching band alumni invited to perform with high school band