Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit Celebrates 50 As Nation Celebrates 250

by Nancy Swavely Mest   

In the year 1976, our nation was celebrating our Bicentennial and locally, there were many celebratory events. The Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit (BAMU) was organized to commemorate this Bicentennial. Because of the BAMU's success, the following year brought their very first Spring Concert named “Memories,” and it was held at Boyertown Junior High West.

Over the course of the next five decades, the marching unit entertained thousands both locally and in states across America. These performances have included parades, concerts, and field shows in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Florida, Massachusetts, Tennessee, New York, and Washington, DC. The unit was a highlight for many years on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey for the Miss America Parade and continues to “wow” the crowd in Conshohocken, PA for the St. Patrick’s Day parade each March.  

It is only fitting that as America now celebrates our nation's 250th Birthday, the BAMU will be honoring its 50th anniversary with a notable afternoon of music and pageantry. The concert will be held at the Boyertown Area Senior High School Auditorium (4th and Monroe Streets) on April 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM. 

The “50 Years of Music, Marching & Memories”concert will feature favorites from the band and bandfront, such as St. Louis Blues, Semper Fidelis, and the Official West Point March. The debut of “Golden Festival Overture” which was commissioned for the 50th Anniversary Concert written and conducted by Travis Weller (guest conductor) will surely be a highlight of the afternoon. BAMU president Tom McHugh shares, “After years and years of performances, when each one is better than the last, I am sure you will enjoy our Spring Concert celebrating '50 years of Music, Marching and Memories'.”

The performances of the BAMU throughout the years have reflected the history and traditions of our community. Locally, the unit is a staple in the Halloween Parades as well as the one held each Memorial Day. In 2004, Holiday Concerts began and still continue each December. Special concerts have taken place such as the 200th Anniversary of the US Constitution in 1987, as well as the Remembrance Concerts to reflect upon the horrific events of 9/11. The band can be enjoyed each year at Fun Days in the Boyertown Park as well as the Great Swamp Picnic in the grove in Gilbertsville.

Tickets are available at Aunt Nannie’s Bakeshop on Route 100 in Bechtelsville as well as at Bachman Music, 38 South Reading Avenue, Boyertown or from any BAMU member. The cost is $10.00. The concert is a family friendly event and there is ample parking (free) as well as being handicap accessible.

Nancy Swavely Mest is a longtime local music educator, graduate of the Boyertown Area Senior High School class of 1978, a lifetime member of the Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit, and a new grandmother! She serves as an assistant to the band captain and directs the Ceremonial Band at many local community events. Mest also performs with "Finely Fluted," a flute ensemble that serves many of the local churches in the area. When she's not making music, she enjoys gardening and sports, as well.

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