Mr. Herb McDowell came to Somerset, fresh out of Carnegie-Mellon University, in June of 1974.  He replaced the well-respected Mr. Chester Singer, who retired.  The band at that time marched in several local parades each year.   The majorette squad, who twirled batons, were the most visible component of the band.  They competed in regional contests all year round.
    
    The band's first competition experience came in the season of 1981-82.  Although the group did not achieve an impressively high score, their high-energy performance continued as the trademark of the Golden Eagle Band.  A Band Boosters group was formed by interested parents, and new uniforms were purchased for the 1982-83 season.  Interestingly, some of these  same uniforms are still being worn today!
    
    The Golden Eagle Band has competed in Tournament of Bands contests through the years since then.  Students from grades 9 through 12 are eligible to be in the marching band.  Most recently, the band competes in Division 3; however, at times has been in Division 2 and 4.  Somerset held the title of Chapter XI Division 4 Champion for several years until 2001 when the group became a Division 3 band.  The band was an Atlantic Coast Championship finalist in 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000.
    
    The Golden Eagle Band has performed at Disney World five times since 1985, most recently in March of 2002.   They have had the privilege of being the featured band in both Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center.