TONAWANDA, N.Y. — Mount Saint Mary Academy remains the only all-girl marching band in the state. This year, the entire MSM Academy marching band has 65 students which is roughly 35% of the student body.
Their marching band has performed all over the country and beyond, including Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival and the Lewistown Peach Festival. Over the past 22 years, the program has grown into a strong community. It's something these band members take pride in.
"I think Mount is such a special place and marching band is a big part of that," Anna Karassik, MSM dance team co-captain said.
"When I first came here I was very quiet, very shy. I didn't talk to anyone. No one talked to me. But the better I got at my saxophone, the more confident of a person I became," Nia King, MSM band co-president said.
"Again, I love music. It gave me an opportunity to do more with that and most of my friends are band kids. So it's combing the opportunities and outlets this open for me with spending time with the people I care about," Jessie Johnston, MSM band co-president said.
This year, the band includes baton twirlers, a dance team, color guard and a full instrumental band. The MSM marching band is currently preparing to perform in their Christmas concert in December and then in the Scottish Tartan Day parade in New York City in April.
If there are any middle school age girls who are interested in checking the MSM marching band out or being a part of it, Mount St. Mary Academy has an open house on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to noon and then again on Monday, Oct. 7 from 5-7 p.m.
MSM Academy is located on Delaware Ave. in Tonawanda.
