'PIMBA' Comes to Moon Area High School

Marching band director Nicholas Barthen said they were songs his band could hum along to. 

"They dig the songs," Barthen said of the Moon Area marching band's set at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association contest Saturday at Moon Area High School .

"They're songs that they know, hear on the radio," he said.

The band's musical selection included chart-topper Adele and dub-step artist Skrillex. 

Fans filled the stands Saturday evening at at Moon Area High School, where a dozen bands from across the region played beneath Tiger Stadium's lights, including  Avonworth, Beaver Area, Cochranton, Rochester, Blackhawk, Central Valley, Gateway, Hampton, Kiski Area, Mars Area, and West Allegheny.

The event marked the first PIMBA competition hosted by Moon Area. Five judges evaluated the ensembles on their musicianship and visual performance. 

Barthen said competing alongside other bands is a learning experience for his student musicians. 

"It's just like a sports competition," Barthen said. "It's good to be out here and competing, rather than just at a festival playing music. It's not really a carrot-and-a stick type of thing. We want to compete, but there's no pressure." 

Superintendent Donna Milanovich was on hand for the festivities. 

"It was just wonderful, such enthusiasm," Milanovich said of Moon Area's performance. "The music department and Nick Barthen work so hard and we're so proud to have everyone here at with these beautiful new facilities." 

The band will compete again in the PIMBA series Oct. 20 at Beaver Valley High School.