written by Joanne Wenger

In April of 1987, Matt Soltis came to me and asked, "Mrs. Wenger, do you think that we could ever have a marching band?"  The question was rather surprising since we did not have a football team. Addressing that situation, Matt told me that there was another venue for marching bands.  He told me about an organization called Tournament of Bands, usually referred to as T.O.B. that was founded to provide a way for marching bands to compete with each other primarily to bring their programs to another level of excellence that would otherwise not occur without competition.

I made a few phone calls to educate myself about the organization and concluded that though we were very small, this would indeed be something from which we could benefit.  That same week, I received a package from a publishing company containing samples of  current marching band music. Back then these samples were in the form of large black 'disks' called records.  (Anybody remember those...)  I read the titles of the songs and was shocked to see several arrangements of contemporary Christian songs i.e. charts of Amy Grant, Sandy Patti, and Michael W. Smith !!  I listened to them and was totally sold on trying to form our very own marching band. I ordered the music, and made plans to begin summer sessions where we would all learn how to 'move and play' at the same time!

Matt's sister, Tonya, was very active in the marching band at Old Mill High School, the then reigning Maryland State Group 2 Champions,  and came to teach us what was current in this competitive arena.  And so we began.....learning how to place our left foot in front of our right foot while blowing air through a horn or tapping a drum and trying to sound as though we were still sitting down!!

Enthusiasm was high, support was strong, and we officially entered the wonderful world of competitive marching!  Area band directors were also supportive, especially Bill Selway who was the band director from Old Mill. Bill lent us instruments, and always encouraged us to keep improving our program.  That we did........and therefore one day WE, the Golden Eagles of Annapolis Area Christian School became the Maryland State Group 2 Champions....three years in a row!!

The Golden Eagles are known among the Mid Atlantic States where we compete as one of the finest bands around. The Golden Eagles have consistently been ranked in the top ten group 2 bands at the Atlantic Coast Championships for 15 years.  And two years ago, the Golden Eagles placed 5th at the USSBA National Championship held at the Raven's Stadium in Baltimore!

We are also known for a particular piece of equipment that we use in every show that has affectionately become known as "Big White". Big White is...just that, a 15 yard long piece of white material with a bright gold Cross in the center.  There is also a bright gold Alpha symbol in the top left corner and bright gold Omega symbol in the lower right corner. The audience expects to see ‘Big White' somewhere during our performance!  Why do I mention "Big White"?  Simply for this reason....The Golden Eagles Marching Band exists for the Glory of God.  It is important to be excellent, because we march in His name. In an arena where scores are announced each week, and trophies handed out, it remains important to the Golden Eagles to bring to the field a meaningful, Christ centered show, where beauty and excellence reign in His name!