Marlborough – Mayor Arthur Vigeant announced that the United States Navy Band Northeast will perform in Marlborough's 63rd annual Labor Day Parade Monday, Sept. 1.
“This is the first time the U.S. Navy Band Northeast has performed in the Labor Day Parade,” Vigeant said. “I am honored that these distinguished members of our armed forces will be leading the parade.”
The U.S. Navy Band Northeast, established under the operational control of the President of the Naval War College in October 2006, performs the traditional naval march music at hundreds of parades, military events and community outreach venues in 11 states in and around New England. Under the direction of Lieutenant Commander Carl Gerhard, the band is composed of 45 professional Navy musicians and is led by Drum Major Chris Sams.
Following the U.S. Navy Band Northeast in the parade will be the Marlborough High School Marching Panther Band under the direction of Gary Piazza.
“Early in the planning of the parade, I discussed my intent to invite the U.S. Navy Band Northeast with Mr. Piazza,” said Parade Director Melanie Whapham. “So when I received the U.S. Navy Band's acceptance, Mr. Piazza was the first person I contacted. I am sure the high school musicians will enjoy warming up next to these talented musicians.”
Joining the Navy Band and the Marlborough High School Band will be 18 other bands including the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Marching Band, the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Marching Band, the Keene American Legion Band, the Worcester Fire Brigade Pipes & Drums and the Acton Boxborough High School Marching Colonials.
For more information on the U.S. Navy Band Northeast, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/NavyBandNortheast or “Navy Band Northeast” on Facebook.
