Friday Night: Alumni Marching Unit, Senior High and Middle School Choirs To Present 9/11 Concert

by Nancy Swavely Mest

Most of us remember exactly where we were 25 years ago on September 11, 2001.

It was a stunning September morning with “blue bird” skies as I traveled between my schools with News Radio KYW on in my car. I tuned into the commentary mid-stream only to realize something very serious was happening. 

I arrived at the office of my other school to see for myself on a small TV screen in the office with staff huddled around watching events unfold live. At the end of that day, 2,977 civilians and first responders were dead and more than 9,000 have since passed due to 9/11 related illnesses. 

Many family members of those who were lost gather annually to read their family victim's name aloud at the Memorial Plaza in New York City. Some of these individuals never even met the parent’s name they read. For those who are too young to remember that fateful day, we must educate and teach them the lessons and loss of this attack on our nation.

For all of these reasons, the Boyertown Area Alumni Marching Unit will be presenting a concerton Friday night, September 11, 2026 from 7:00-9:00 PM at Boyertown Middle School West 380South Madison Street, Boyertown, PA 19512. ""One Nation, One Voice" will be the theme of this evening. This concert will feature the Marching Unit with the Show Choirs from Boyertown High School, Middle School East and West. Boyertown Middle School West has ample parking available and is easily handicapped accessible.

All Boyertown School District First Responders will be honored at this event. A Free Will Offering will be collected at the door. A special printed program will be handed out to all who attend. In addition to concert selections, Boyertown native and Trade Center victim Robert Mace, who worked on the 104th Floor of the World Trade Center as a Cantor-Fitzgerald Consultant, will be featured as well as other 9/11 history.

The concert will open with a short ceremony followed by a combined arrangement of “America the Beautiful” featuring the band and choirs. The Marching Unit band front will be showcased in marches like” Americans We” and “National Spirit.” “Let There Be Peace on Earth” featuring the flag squad will close the first half. 

After a brief intermission, the Choirs will open the second half with a selection entitled “ In Remembrance.” Announcer Dave Focht will narrate “Each Time You Tell Their Story” with the band. 

Senior high choir director Mr. Jeffrey K. Brunner says, "This is a big undertaking for the students and I this early in the school year, but it is so worth it. The kids are excited to sing with a live band-- something they rarely get to do, and the Middle School kids are excited to sing with the senior high Show Choir. Most importantly, students learn about respecting the community and why this is so important and meaningful to them."

 This is a family friendly event and one that I encourage everyone to attend. We must never forget and continue to teach our next generation about the sacrifices made by so many on this disastrous day. 

Please, check us out on the web at: www.boyertownalumnimarchingunit.org

Nancy Mest is a longtime local music educator, graduate of the Boyertown Area Senior High School class of 1978, and lifetime member of the Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit. 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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