The Beginnings

The Marching Knights began in December 1971 when a small group of parents met with the high school principal to discuss the formation of an organization to provide assistance to students interested in the various music programs. As a result of that discussion, the North Penn Music Association became a reality in March 1972. With the arrival of band director Stephen E. Frederick in July, the North Penn High School Band and the North Penn High School Knights Guard were reorganized into one unit known as the Marching Knights. It was announced that the Marching Knights would participate in very challenging and exciting parade and field competitions. With this new beginning, the great need for a band support organization became obvious. Since the majority of North Penn Music Association members were high school band parents, in May 1973, new by-laws were adopted. The name was changed to North Penn Music Aides, whose purpose was "to promote, improve, and support the band organization of the secondary schools of the North Penn School District, with primary assistance to the high school bands...," and the organization was officially incorporated in January 1974. Within two short years, the Marching Knights became a band of championship caliber. As numerous invitations came in, the Music Aides discovered that it takes a great deal of money to put such a large group on the road. The parents' group muddled through their first year and, happily, achieved their goal. However, the following year saw the required funds double, and the third year even more was needed. Each year, then and now, the Music Aides and the Marching Knights have worked together, and the community has given tremendous support to our fund raising projects. Every year the impossible becomes possible.

Competitions And Performances

Throughout their history the Knights have maintained an active schedule of concert & competitive performances. Audiences at the Orange Bowl, Kentucky Derby, Indianapolis 500, Florida Festival of States (3 times), the Winchester, Virginia Apple Blossom Festival (3 times), WGI Friendship Cup in Dallas, Texas, and the 1985, 1989, 1994, 1997 Fiesta Bowls have enjoyed the Marching Knights. Their Major Motion Picture credits include "Blowout" & "Rocky V." The Marching Knights have won the Cavalcade of Bands Yankee Conference Championship 13 times. Last year the Knights placed fourth at the Bands of America Regional held at Hofstra University. In October 2000, the Marching Knights traveled to Orlando, Florida, to participate in a Bands of America Regional Championship to be held in the Citrus Bowl. And most recently they captured their fourth consecutive first place honor at the 2000 United States Scholastic Bands Association (USSBA) Group 5 Open Championship.