The North Penn Music Aides organization provides critical organizational, administrative and operational support for the Marching Knights. In addition, the organization oversees fundraising efforts for the band and acts as custodian for several scholarships. Learn more about the Music Aides history, who the leaders are, how to join, upcoming events, current fundraising activities, and how to receive information and updates via e-mail.

History of the Music Aides

In December 1971, 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 become a reality in March 1972.

With the arrival in July of band director Stephen E. Frederick, 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.

In two short years the Marching Knights become 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.

The years that have passed have been a learning experience not only for the MARCHING KNIGHTS but for the MUSIC AIDES as well. We are very proud of our young people and sincerely appreciate the support we receive from the High School administration, District Administration, School Board and community.

Organization and Chairpersons

It takes many hands to lighten the amount of work that the Music Aides do. Fortunately, there are many dedicated people to generously volunteer their time to the Music Aides. See the Officers and Chairpersons page for a complete list of this year's Music Aides leaders.

Scholarships

The North Penn Music Aides are custodians for several scholarships:

• The Karl A. Thompson Scholarship, founded by the members of the North Penn High School Band of 1971-72 to honor their retiring director "Bolly" Thompson
• The Robin Madtes Memorial Award, which goes to a band front member in memory of Robin class of '76)
• The James Morrison Memorial Award, which is given to a Jazz Band member in memory of Jim (class of '75)
• The Stephen E. Frederick Music Award honoring our recent director
• The Paul Weber Memorial Scholarship honoring the late Mr. Paul Weber, 1992-1993 president of the North Penn Music Aides.

Schedule of Meetings

The Music Aides hold regular meetings, usually on the third Tuesday of the month.

Fundraising Activities

The Music Aides are responsible for coordinating and running the fundraisers. They handle all aspects from concept, to order processing, to delivery of the goods, to allocating student credit. A lot of work goes into this activity, and volunteers are always needed.

See our Fund Raising page for all the details about Fundraising.

See our Volunteer page for details about how you can help with the fundraising efforts.

NPMA Newsletter

The NPMA newsletter is published quarterly and distributed to parents/guardians of all band members, NPHS Administrators, North Penn School District Administrators and School Board Members. If you wish to place an article in the next edition, or have any questions or comments about the newsletter, please email Carole Stoler at npmastoler@verizon.net

E-mail Updates

Send us your e-mail address, and you'll become more informed about what is going on with your North Penn Marching Knight!!!!

You'll find out about all our fundraisers, including starting, ending, and delivery dates. We'll tell you about upcoming events and important dates to remember. You'll even find out about important competition results through the NPMA e-mails.

Don't rely on your busy student to tell you!!! Send us your e-mail address (to Carole Stoler npmastoler@verizon.net and we'll try to keep you more informed!!! Just say "Please put me on the NPMA mailing list." Then watch your Inbox for more.

How To Join Membership Application