AUBURN – The 20th annual field band finals for marching bands, sponsored by the Maine Band Directors Association, was held on Nov. 1 at Edward Little High School’s Walton Field. The audience saw the performances of 11 high school bands from central and southern Maine and Portsmouth, N.H.

Bands participating were Biddeford, Edward Little, Lawrence, Leavitt, Lewiston, Marshwood, Old Orchard Beach, Portsmouth, Sanford, South Portland and Wells. The Pride of Maine University of Maine Black Bear Marching Band also performed at the end of the evening prior to the awards ceremonies.

During their performance, each band was evaluated and received star ratings (from one to four) in the areas of drum major, color guard, visual, percussion, music and general effect. Each band also received an overall medal rating of bronze, silver or gold.

Bands receiving bronze medals were Lawrence, Leavitt, Marshwood, Sanford and Wells. In the evaluated area of drum major, Leavitt and Sanford received four stars, while Lawrence, Marshwood and Wells received three stars. Leavitt, Marshwood and Wells received three stars for percussion. Leavitt and Wells also received three stars for music.

Bands receiving silver medals were Edward Little, Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach, Portsmouth and South Portland. South Portland High School received four stars in the evaluated areas of color guard, visual and percussion. Old Orchard Beach High School received four stars for color guard and percussion. Portsmouth High School received four stars for percussion and Lewiston High School received four stars for drum major.

Biddeford High School was the only band awarded a gold medal in the 2003 finals.

During the awards ceremony, Jeanne M. MacDonald from Old Orchard Beach High School and Jeremy G. Turner of Leavitt Area High School received recognition as the 2003 recipients of scholarships given by the association.

Other activities sponsored by the association are the Maine Open Jazz Festival held in February, the Maine Winter Guard and Percussion Extravaganza held in March, the Concert Band Festival held in April and the Chamber Music Festival, also in April.