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Among the thousands of participating Arrowmen, there are a select few that have voluntarily given up other NOAC activities to serve their brothers through the Brotherhood Band or the Brotherhood Chorus.
The Brotherhood Band had been a part of NOAC for many years, but in the late 80's had started to decline. For the 1992 NOAC, Randy Decker was asked to restart the program. That year the band had only 35 members, and limited performances. Over the next three Conferences, the band grew and grew, and became once again a featured part of NOAC. The 1998 NOAC Brotherhood Band consists of over a 120 participants and staff.
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"Being a school teacher, I come for the youth. Sure I have fun doing this, but I am mainly here to enrich the lives of every member of the Brotherhood Band."--Randy Decker, Director |
The participants of the band play a pre-show concert every night and also present a parade during Founders Day. All members that participate fully receive a limited edition commemorative Brotherhood Band and Chorus neckerchief. This neckerchief can only be earned through the Brotherhood Band and Chorus program.
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"The Brotherhood Band is one of the best aspects of the NOAC shows"-- Ricky |
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"The Brotherhood Band is an interesting part of NOAC, if you are musically inclined. To see musicians from all over the nation come together and beautifully play a piece of music with minimal rehearsal is an amazing sight to see."--Bill, Trombonist |
| The Brotherhood Chorus also has over 120 members and is under the direction of Alan Eggleston from La Porte, Indiana and Sakima Lodge #573. Alan is a District Executive and a former Professor of Music at the University of Arkansas. |  |
| This year's chorus is the biggest ever. They rehearse for a solid hour every day and have performed four to five times a day at events such as the VIA Lunch, the DSA dinner, the opening of the OA Museum, the Section Officers and Advisers Dinner and tailgate parties. The Chorus will perform at the Professional Scouters Dinner, Founder's Day and the closing show. |  |
People choose to be part of the Chorus for many reasons - "love of music", "the very high quality of the music"," because it requires a sense of discipline"," the follow through","and because the young men want a chance to live up to the high expectations."
Revised 8/03/98.
