TOWAMENCIN – “It’s a great concept, a great show; it’s going to be a tremendous season for us,” said head director of the North Penn Marching Knights, Mike Britcher, when asked about the 2014 season.
“These Kingdoms United” is the title of the North Penn Marching Knights’ 2014 multi-cultural show, featuring influences from England, Scotland, and Ireland in both the show’s music and attire. Though a band grounded in tradition, the Marching Knights have made multiple changes to their uniform and technique for the European show, implementing British military marching methods and adding red sashes to the conventional black and blue uniforms, as well as new cavalry style helmets to complete the effect. Adding to the cultural blend are some new sounds, including two bagpipe players and a full cymbal line.
Looks are not everything to the Marching Knights, though, as they work extensive hours each week to perfect their show for their rigorous competition season as well as for feature performances like the Eagles’ halftime show they performed on September 7th. This year’s schedule includes trips to James Madison University, the Navy-Marine Stadium, and the MetLife Stadium for US Bands Grand Nationals, making for an impressive roster on some of the region’s most prestigious fields.
In order to prepare for a packed competition schedule, the Knights began working on their show in early June and throughout July building up to full day band camp in August. Their intense schedule only continues into the school year, but the students say the end result is all worth it.
“It’s an inspiring experience,” Lindsey Mood, a senior member of the flute section, commented on her experience with the Marching Knights, expressing how exciting it is to see the Knights’ hard work and dedication pay off under the lights.
“All of my friends are from marching band because we spend so much time together; they understand me,” noted Rebecca Marshall, a senior member of the Tuba section, expressing the family-like relationship that is developed among the Knights during the marching season.
The Knights have worked exceptionally hard this year to put together a vibrant and exciting show drawing from various parts of the United Kingdom’s culture, even incorporating piano segments from the popular “I Will Wait,” a hit from the British folk band Mumford & Sons. Just this past Saturday the Knights went up against three other high schools in competition at Souderton Area High School, missing first place by a mere .7 tenths of a point to Springford High School. Though the rain caused the competition to be held indoors and to have all bands perform at a standstill, the Knights put on a fantastic performance, preparing them for a great season. Want to see the Marching Knights in action? Come support them in our very own Crawford Stadium on September 27th for their home show, “Knight of Sound.”