Have you heard that studying music can make you smarter? Whether this is true or not, my love for music has grown ever since I was a child. Since seventh grade, I have been a member of the Greater Nanticoke Area marching band majoring in percussion. Throughout this time, I had the opportunity to work with three wonderful band directors; Brad Bunnell, Michele Fadden, and Ryan Lamoreux.

Mr. Bunnell mostly works with percussion during the marching band season. He is the music teacher at GNA, and as a result knows a lot about each instrument. He is also the band director for the jazz and concert band. Not only does he direct three bands, he also has his own life including a wife and two children. Despite all of his responsibilities as a husband and father, he still finds time to do what he loves. If one were to ask Mr. Bunnell about band, his response would be: “Band is great.”

Mrs. Fadden mostly deals with the color guard during the band season. However, when it isn’t marching band season, she is involved with stage guard and stage band. She was involved with marching band throughout her high school career and also throughout college. Because of her husband once being in band and playing the trumpet, he understands her busy schedule and is supportive in whatever she does. 

Mr. Lamoreux mostly works with the wind instruments during marching band. When spring rolls around, he likes to step out of his comfort zone and assist Mrs. Fadden with the guard stage show while also directing the band stage show. During the marching band season, he likes to help us by keeping us fit with a lot of breathing exercises. 

It’s amazing how three wonderful people with busy lives make time to form a great organization such as the Greater Nanticoke Area marching band. I can truly say these wonderful people care very much not only about this program but also the people who are in it. This band and its members are like my second family and it’s all thanks to Ryan Lamoreux, Michele Fadden, and Brad Bunnell, my three amazing directors.