TOWAMENCIN – Get ready for impressive music and jaw dropping visual effects because the Marching Knights have done it again. Marking their 40th anniversary, the North Penn marching band hosted their annual Knight of Sounds led by music director Michael Britcher.
This year’s show is called “Unity” and according to Britcher, the Knights spiced up their routine and brought in a little Asian flavor to Crawford Stadium.
“Well in our show this year, there is a great Asian theme in it. We’re using tyco drums in this year’s show so there is a huge percussion component to the show this year, and also it’s also a physical show for the students to perform- high energy and, high tempos,” explained Britcher.
Four year marching band veteran Elizabeth Martin added, “it’s a really unique show this year, and I think people are really going to like it. We do some tai chi, really cool visuals, and the audience is going to hear some monks singing. And the pit and color guard are dressed up like monks and it very high powered intensity.”
Something else that was very high powered? The donations that were made to the Marching Band Community. “Knight of Sound is a great event for the Marching Knights every year. It’s a chance for us to showcase our competition here at home in front of our local fans, and it’s also our biggest fund raiser over the course of the year” Britcher said.
And of course, how can we forget the other bands from the Montgomery and Bucks County Area that came out to perform? The list includes the Perryville Pirates, Saucon Valley Panthers, CB South Titans, Council Rock South Golden Hawks, Pennridge Rams, Quakertown Panthers, Springford Hornets, and of course the North Penn Knights performing on their home turf.
With all of the excited audience members waiting to see their loved ones perform on the field, the Knights can always count on one special person to be present at their performances. Mr. Burt Hynes, North Penn HS principal said “I always come and see the Knights and I’m very proud of them.” The night also included more special guests like Pennsylvania Senator Bob Mensch and the Mayor of Hatfield Bob Kaler.
With all of the outstanding high school bands leaving the audiences in awe, Knight of Sound was definitely a night to remember. Additionally, as part of the 40th anniversary of the event, this year’s show was dedicated to the memory of Mr. Stephen E. Frederick, a long time NPHS Marching Band Director and former principal of North Penn HS. Frederick, who retired from NP in 2003, passed away this summer.
