PUTTING MEMORIES TO MUSIC
Immaculate Heart of Mary School Band started in January, 1984, with eight enthusiastic members, two to a drum! It was then called “Our Lady's Army” Band and had the undaunted spirit of the Swiss Guard. Composed 
mostly of elementary school children, they only performed “in house” until 1989,when they made their first public appearance at the Memorial Day Parade in Ayer, MA.
Since then, they have marched over 400 miles in 150 parades and played over 50 concerts. Their ranks have increased to forty-five members this year and an expected fifty next year, a peak it has met before. All members are in Junior High or High School. Brother Peter Mary, the band director and Brother Anthony Marie, percussion instructor, started the band by “begging” for donations of instruments. Local donations, car washes and bake sales initially supported their needs. Working with virtually no budget in the beginning, the band now supports itself through parade participation stipends and donations. The band is comprised mostly of wind instruments such as trumpets, clarinets, flutes, saxophones, French horns and a percussion line of bass drums, snares, tympani, and a couple of “quads.” The Brothers have been more than able in instructing the members; however, over 
the years, they have had professionals and semi-professionals come to help them. Some of the instructors have come from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, National Marine Drum and Bugles Corps, The Boston Crusaders, local music teachers, Judges Association clinics. In competition parades the band has received twenty-four First Places, eight Second Places and two Third Places.
Military in appearance, the members wear a grey skirt or pants with a red and navy stripe. Their Marine-like jacket and white belt add to the trim and disciplined appearance, and disciplined behavior, which is a major factor in playing and marching in unison. They are the only band in Massachusetts that carries the papal flag in all parades, along with our country's and one with the school emblem. Besides excellence in musical achievements, uniformity and etiquette are stressed. Every year, a competition is held for the Drum Majorette. Players are graded on their cooperation, performance and given a final test for placement. Ribbons, medals and pins are awarded at a ceremony at the end of the year for various achievements. The most proficient members are chosen to compete in Massachusetts Music Educators Association Solo Competition. Winners participate in a public concert with the Central District Band. We have had a winner every year we participated.
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