Biddeford Marching Arts named New England Champions

~ Karen Garnett

By KAREN GARNETT | Biddeford School Department

Biddeford’s Marching Arts program is celebrating a historic season, earning top honors across the region and solidifying its place among New England’s elite. At the New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA) Winter Finals, Biddeford High School’s BlackOut Percussion, Blizzard Winds, and Blaze Color Guard each captured first place, completing an extraordinary sweep and bringing home gold for Biddeford.

CHAMPIONS | Biddeford’s Marching Arts program featuring 68 students and staff from BlackOut Percussion (top left), Blizzard Winds (top right), Blaze Color Guard (bottom left), and BlackOut B Percussion (bottom right). (Contributed photo)

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This milestone achievement reflects the continued growth and excellence of a program that has quickly risen to prominence since its revival in 2019. Now comprising 68 students from Biddeford High School (BHS) and Biddeford Middle School (BMS), the Marching Arts program includes BHS BlackOut Percussion, Blizzard Winds, Blaze Color Guard, and BMS BlackOut B Percussion– a middle school ensemble comprised of students in grades 5–7 that highlights the district’s commitment to developing student talent from an early age.

Earlier in the season, Biddeford’s teams also delivered standout performances at the Maine Band Directors Winter Finals, with BHS BlackOut Percussion and Blizzard Winds earning Gold Medals, while Blaze Color Guard and BMS BlackOut B Percussion brought home Silver Medals. Adding to the excitement, the newly formed Blaze Color Guard captured the Novice Class New England Championship title, an extraordinary accomplishment in its very first season.

Their performance stood out not only within their division but also earned a score that surpassed the current top-ranked Scholastic A Winds group in the nation, an impressive benchmark that speaks to the strength and promise of this emerging program.

Biddeford’s BlackOut Percussion and Blizzard Winds named New England Champions.

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“We are incredibly proud of what our students have achieved this season,” said Michael Murphy, Biddeford High School Band Teacher and Marching Arts Director. “Their dedication, resilience, and teamwork have been on full display from the very first rehearsal to the championship stage. To see all three BHS ensembles reach gold and bring home the championship banners is truly special and a testament to their hard work and commitment to excellence.”

Throughout the season, Biddeford’s Marching Arts consistently earned top placements in competitions across both the NESBA and Maine Band Directors Association (MBDA) circuits.

Biddeford’s Blaze Color Guard captured the Novice Class New England Championship title.

Their success has been fueled not only by musical and technical skill, but also by a strong culture of collaboration, leadership, and pride in representing their school community.

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Published by Karen Garnett

A proud Biddeford alumna, Karen Garnett brings over 30 years of experience in marketing, public relations, graphic design, and development across the health care and education sectors. She currently serves as Communications Director for the Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton School Departments, shining a spotlight on the achievements of our community’s schools, staff, and students. Beyond the school walls, Karen is a Biddeford-Saco Rotarian, Notary Public, and Wedding Officiant. She enjoys home renovations, creating memories with her grandsons, and running her small business, Diverse Anecdote, LLC.

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