WELLS – The Maine Band Directors Association began its 20th anniversary marching band season Sept. 20 at Wells High School. Music By the Sea, co-hosted by Marshwood and Wells high schools, saw 12 high school bands from Maine and New Hampshire take to the field in the first show of the season to perform for evaluations.

The band from Portsmouth High School performed for comments only from the judges.

Bands receiving overall ratings of one star were Edward Little, Leavitt, Lawrence, Lewiston, Marshwood and Wells. Lewiston High School received two stars for drum major, percussion and music. Edward Little received two stars for drum major and percussion. Marshwood High School and Wells High School also received two stars for drum major and Leavitt Area High School received two stars for general effect.

Bands receiving overall ratings of two stars were Biddeford, Dover, Old Orchard Beach, South Portland and Westbrook. Westbrook High School received three stars for percussion.

The next band show will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at South Portland. Additional shows will be at Lawrence High School on Oct. 4, Sanford High School on Oct. 11, Biddeford High School on Oct. 18 and the Twin Cities show at Lewiston High School on Oct. 25. The 20th annual state finals for marching bands is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at Edward Little High School’s Walton Field.

Other activities for high school and middle school bands sponsored by the Maine Band Directors Association are the Maine Open Jazz Festival in February, a Winter Guard and Percussion Extravaganza in March and a Concert Band Festival and Chamber Music Festival in April. The association also awards two college scholarships each year to eligible band students from schools that are members of the association.