Good evening ladies and gentlemen.  Tonight we are proud to present the 1996 edition of the Susquehanna Township High School Marching Band.  The band is comprised of 52 paying members, 22 color guard members, and is under the field direction of Drum Majors Takia Colston, Mark Lopez, and Amanda Yanek.  The band comes into this year's season as the 1994 and 1995 TOB Chapter 6 Champions, and continues to create a high energy musical and visual program with the music of other lands.

This year the band explores the styles of Arabian music.  Driving rhythms, captivating melodies, and visual images of the "Near East" come alive.  The show opens with "THE JOURNEY,"  A haunting flugelhorn solo by Karen Thompson sets the stage for the opening fanfare, which leads us into the fast-paced beginning of the journey.  Next we present a rhythmic celebration typical of Arabian music with "USKADAR," featuring Brett Scott on tuba.  "THE RETURN," begins with a peaceful sideline percussion introduction into a quartet which features Karen Thompson and Lee Pham on trumpet, Bobby Pierce on mellophone, and Lee Minnick on trombone.  The percussion sections set the fast paced continuation of our trip, with soloists Mary Holmes on mellophone, Lee Pham on trumpet, and Lee Minnick on trombone.  The show continues to an exciting musical and visual climax as our journey comes to our end.

The band is under the direction of Bill Perbetsky.  Assistant director, drill designer and instructor is Silvia Perbetsky.  Assistant drill instructor and music assistant is Mark Kothe.  Percussion instructors are Steve Filippelli and Chad Francis.  Color Guard instructor is Ron Massey.  Band arrangements are by Bill Perbetsky.  Drum arrangements are by Steve Filippelli.  Pit arrangements are by Bill Perbetsky and Chad Francis.

The staff and students of the band would like to thank the Susquehanna Township School District for their continued support of our music program, and also the Susquehanna Township Music Boosters Association for all their time, effort, funding, and encouragement in keeping the band "on the field."  We are certain you will enjoy your journey with us! And now... the Susquehanna Township High School Marching Band!