When people think of the North Penn Marching Knights, many recall the image of them marching proudly and stoically across the field at half time. While it’s true that everyone in the school is familiar with the marching band’s proud reputation, it cannot be said that many truly understand just how impressive they are, or how important they are to both the school and the community. It could be said that being a Marching Knight requires the most skill out of all of North Penn’s programs, be it sports or theater. In order to carry out their stunning performances, their coordination and execution must be perfect. Nowhere is this skill better demonstrated than at North Penn’s annual Community Night, when the Knights’ perform their final show to close the season.

For the Marching Knights, Community Night is considered to be the most important show they put on all year.

“It’s like the Marching Band’s version of homecoming,” said Nathaniel Maier, a senior and veteran of North Penn High School Music. “Since it’s the last show, it really shows how far we’ve come since the start of the season. Also, it’s a chance for us to give something back to the community.”

On and off the field, the band is certainly dedicated to serving the community. Immediately after walking through the gates into Crawford Stadium, a stand to collect canned goods for Manna on Main Street was apparent.

“We’ve got over ten boxes full of goods,” said Jen Logan, vice president of the North Penn Music Aides and the manager of the stand. “The Knights really like to give back to the community and this how they do it.”

“Taking these donations is really important for us,” said North Penn Music Aides President, Connie Hammond. “In the past, we’ve given donations to several other charities. It’s a small thing, but it’s still important and I hope we can do it for many more years to come.”

“It’s just a good way to help people who aren’t as fortunate as us,” said Evan Rondinelli, a member of the North Penn Jazz Band, as well as participant in the Hawaii Band. “Community Night is really our last chance to help out.”

Since Community Night is the final show for the Marching Knights it also serves as a farewell as well as a show to the seniors who will be graduating later that year.

“We take the chance to recognize our seniors,” said Logan. “This was our last show with them, and we just want to wish them the best of luck after they leave.”

“Community Night is kind of like a celebration show,” said North Penn Music Director Michael Britcher. “Our work starts back in early August and continues until now. So it’s many months of time, effort, and energy and we just like to get together at the end of the year and do one last performance together.”

As well as being the final show for the senior Knights, Community Night is also seen as being the greatest show put on during their season. The months of practice and discipline culminate to form a spectacular experience.

“It’s one of the most important things we do for the community because it give us a chance to perform for our friends and family here in Lansdale,” said North Penn Music Director, Michael Britcher. “The other opportunity we have is Night of Sound, and really that and Community Night are the only times we get to perform in Crawford [Stadium] where we are the main event. Every other time we’re here, we are here to support the football team or to take part in other activities that are going on here at the school.”

Though it is the Knight’s last show, Community Night is the most important one of the season, highlighting the band’s talent as well as letting them give back to their community.

“It brings out people who really have an interest in music,” said Rondinelli. “The Knights have limited shows and Community Night can let people just see what the band is capable of.”