Happy 50th Birthday to Marple Newtown's Bandarama!

History Spotlight by Doug Humes

Photos courtesy of Marple Historical Society

Marple Newtown’s marching band made its first appearance in 1942. In the 1960’s, the band performed in competitions.

By 1969, under energetic young band director Larry McGriff, they had won the last two competitions at the Virginia Beach band festival. McGriff inherited a good band program and led it to the next level. But at that next level, there were more expenses. More success meant more participants, instruments, uniforms, and travel expenses.

Marple Newtown High School's 1970 Band Director Larry McGriff and his megaphone

In 1970, the brain trust of the band – McGriff, treasurer John R. Longacre, band parent chairmen Robert Rust and Warren Given, and a host of other parents – had a brainstorming session. The idea that they came up with was to host an annual band competition on their home field. Invite the best area high school bands to compete. Sell tickets and hot dogs and drinks, and seek sponsors. Save money on travel by hosting a “home game,” and raise money for the band in the process. The room filled with enthusiasm for the project. “What should we call it?” “Bandarama!” Longacre suggested.

Cover of 1970 Bandarama program

At the first Bandarama on October 3, 1970, the home band walked in to a drum cadence set by Senior drummer Dave Kovnat: the popular drum solo from the rock song “In a Gadda da Vida." Larry McGriff was not afraid to listen to his students and incorporate their ideas, as long as they committed to executing his musical and marching ideas to perfection. And with megaphone in hand, he would drill them to perfection.

Newspaper announcement of the 1970 event

The first Bandarama was a success. The first band to appear was from Nether Providence High School, followed by Coatesville, Salisbury, Plymouth Whitemarsh, Garnet Valley, Wissahickon, Shikillamy, Sun Valley, Archbishop Wood and Marple Newtown. The 11 judges who evaluated each performance awarded Archbishop Wood the First Place trophy.

1970 MNHS Band performs at an Eagles game at Franklin Field

Larry McGriff’s vision has been repeated each year since then, under his direction and then his successors, Bearj Jehanian and Mike Massimo. Thousands of student musicians have enjoyed the experience, and have been fully supported by thousands of school officials, parents, patrons, and music fans.

Come Out and Support MNHS Band at this year's BANDARAMA:

Saturday October 12, 6:00--9:30pm

The 50th 50th Bandarama will play out at the Marple Newtown High School field. Twelve regional high school bands will perform their field show. Come out and support our band, and enjoy the other incredible young musicians who will perform that night. It will be a night for the history books, so bring your children and grandchildren, to show them what’s possible with a musical instrument in their hands.

For more history on Newtown Square, Delaware County, and membership information, please visit our website at www.HistoricNewtownSquare.org.