The Red Eddies Marching Band from Edward Little High School is pictured at the 2006 State Marching Band Finals Nov. 4 in Biddeford. From left are Max Bullett, woodwind captain; Audrey Schwinn, marching captain; Sophie Schwinn, drum major; Mariah Pendexter, color guard captain; Nathan Titus, drum major; Karen Johnson, color guard captain; Steven Cyr, brass captain; and Caitlyn Paige, percussion captain.

Band’s compete in field trials

BIDDEFORD – The 23rd annual field finals for marching bands, sponsored by the Maine Band Directors Association, was held on Nov. 4 at Biddeford High School. Twelve high school bands from central and southern Maine and coastal New Hampshire performed.

Participating were Biddeford, Dover, N.H., Edward Little, Lawrence, Leavitt, Lewiston, Marshwood, Old Orchard Beach, Portsmouth, N.H., Sanford, South Portland and Westbrook. Miss Maine Karissa Staples, a Biddeford graduate, sang the National Anthem to begin the show.

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 merit, bronze, silver or gold.

Bands receiving bronze medals were Edward Little, Lawrence, Lewiston, Marshwood and Sanford. Lawrence High School and Sanford High School received three stars in the evaluated area of drum major. Marshwood High School received four stars for drum major and three stars for percussion.

Bands receiving silver medals were Biddeford, Dover, Leavitt and Westbrook. Leavitt High School received four stars for drum major. Biddeford High School received four stars for percussion. Dover High School received four stars for color guard and percussion.

Old Orchard Beach High School, Portsmouth High School and South Portland High School were awarded gold medals in the 2006 finals.

Other activities sponsored by the Maine Band Directors Association are the Maine Open Jazz Festival to be held at Westbrook High School on March 3, 2007, and the Concert Band Festival to be held at Scarborough High School on March 29 and 30, 2007. During February and March, the association will also sponsor a season of winter guard shows. The specific dates and sites are being finalized.