From “Time of My Life” to the Hall of Fame: Jim A’Hearn to be Honored at NYSFBC Championships

This fall will be a special one for the Jordan-Elbridge Marching Eagles—not only is it the 50th Anniversary of competing in the New York State Field Band Conference, but one of the program’s most beloved leaders will be honored on its biggest stage. On October 26 at the Syracuse Dome during the NYSFBC Championships, former Marching Eagles Director Jim A’Hearn will be inducted into the New York State Field Band Conference Hall of Fame.

A’Hearn’s impact on the program spans decades. After graduating from East Syracuse Minoa in 1975, he attended SUNY Potsdam, where a friendship would set the stage for his future in Jordan-Elbridge. In 1986, while pursuing his master’s degree, a college friend who had recently become JE’s band director invited A’Hearn to serve as the percussion instructor. That year and the next, the Marching Eagles won back-to-back state championships.

When his friend left in 1988, A’Hearn was the natural choice to take over as band director. “They were state champs long before I got there,” he said modestly, “but I knew the kids, I was fully certified, and I was ready to take on the job.” Over the next 13 years, A’Hearn led the Marching Eagles to five more state titles—1988, 1992, 1995, 1996, and 1998—bringing his total contributions to seven championships.

His tenure was marked by more than just trophies. A’Hearn also taught the jazz band, pit orchestra, and high school band, building a music program that inspired generations of students. “I loved the kids. I loved making music with the kids. It really was the time of my life,” he said, recalling his first year as director when the combined band and chorus performed “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing. “When I retired, I told them that I truly had the time of my life.”

Memories of competitions and concerts were joined by unforgettable trips. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the band boosters—who raised funds selling food at SU basketball games in the Dome—the Marching Eagles performed at Walt Disney World in Florida, Vanderbilt University in Nashville, James Madison University, and New York City. “That was the most fun—taking the kids on the trips,” he said.

One of his favorite moments came in 1998, when the Marching Eagles won at the Dome and celebrated at their banquet. True to a promise he’d made to his students, A’Hearn let them shave his head and beard in front of the crowd. “The kids had such a fun time with it,” he laughed.

Today, the Marching Eagles have 14 state championships to their name—second only to West Genesee in New York State. The pride they inspire is woven into the community itself. “As you drive into both villages, you see the signs showing all our championships. I was so proud to be the band director,” he said. “On state championship day, parents lined Route 5 with signs for miles. That’s what the Marching Eagles were all about—it’s that sense of Eagle pride.”

A’Hearn is looking forward to reconnecting with former students at the special Alumni Event on September 6 at JE High School
during the home show. “I’m going to see kids who are adults now, and as a teacher, that’s the best feeling,” he said. “They go on and do life, and then they come back—it’s really cool.”

Alumni can sign up for the event here: https://shorturl.at/O6s3K

As the Marching Eagles celebrate 50 years in the NYSFBC and honor one of their own in the Hall of Fame, it’s clear that the music, memories, and community pride Jim A’Hearn helped build will keep resonating for generations to come.