Good evening ladies and gentlemen! Tonight we are proud to present the 2003 edition of the Susquehanna Township High School Marching Band! The band is comprised of 54 instrumentalists, 16 color guard members, and is under the field direction of Drum Majors Bethany Bagley, Ross McGraw, and Nate Kepner.

Our 2003 field show is entitled "A Night At the Opera." The show blends the old with the new to provide our audiences with a fresh look at opera music that is exciting, entertaining, creative and fun for everyone! The inspiration for the program comes from familiar operatic compositions with a "Township twist." We wondered what would happen if these famous composers had to write music for an ensemble that did not exist in their day, and the results are being presented for your enjoyment this evening.  We are certain you will never look at opera music the same way again! In scene 1, "CARMEN MEETS THE PHANTOM," featuring Chris Post on mellophone.  Scene 2 is a haunting ballad from Madame Butterfly which inspired the composers of the music for the show Les Misérables we like to call "GOODBYE," featuring Ashley Miller on baritone and Alex Bender on trumpet.  In scene 3, a famous clown officiates the wedding of Figaro with "HALLELUJAH! FIGARO GOT MARRIED," featuring our percussion and pit sections with exciting visual presentations from our horn line and color guard.  In scene 4 we use Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" from their "A Night at the Opera" album as a base for a grand finale of familiar classics we are certain you will enjoy, featuring Alex Bender, Dave Trexler, and Kim Thomas on trumpet, with Bethany Bagley on mellophone.  Many recognizable compositions are presented as the composers come together to create a finale for a modern music show.  Join us as Mozart, Puccini, Leoncavallo, Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, and Wagner come to the 21st century to share their music with a new audience.  We hope you enjoy your "Night At the Opera!"

The band is under the direction of Bill Perbetsky.  Assistant Director, Drill Designer, and Instructor is Silvia Perbetsky.  Assistant Drill and Music Instructor is Mark Kothe.  Visual Technicians are Mike Supko and Tammy Landis.  Head Percussion Instructor and Arranger is Steve Filippelli.  Percussion Technicians are Dotty Fitton and Terry Bieler.  Sideline Percussion Instructor and Arranger is Gus Burghdorf.  Head Color Guard Instructor and Designer is Ron Massey.  Assistant Color Guard Instructor is Jackie McCoy.  Band arrangements are by Bill Perbetsky.

The STHS band would like to thank the Susquehanna Township School District Administration and Music Boosters Association for their continued and tireless support of our music program.  Their support has allowed us the freedom and resources to continue to grow in our entire music program, and we are very grateful for their support! Sit back, relax, and enjoy our modernized night at the opera! Ladies and gentlemen, the Susquehanna Township High School Marching Band!!