Biddeford Marching Arts Named New England Champions

Biddeford’s Marching Arts program is closing out a remarkable season with top honors at the New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA) Winter Percussion Finals.

BlackOut Percussion earned first place, while Blizzard Winds secured a strong third-place finish, solidifying Biddeford’s standing as a powerhouse in the region.

Biddeford’s Marching Arts program was revived in 2019 after a decade-long hiatus and now bolsters 57 students from Biddeford High School and Biddeford Middle School. The program not only consists of BlackOut Percussion and Blizzard Winds but also BlackOut Percussion-B, a middle school concert-style percussion ensemble that represents the district’s commitment to cultivating musical excellence from an early age.

“We are so proud of what these students have accomplished this season,” said Michael Murphy, Biddeford High School Band Teacher and Marching Arts Director. “They’ve dedicated countless hours to rehearsals, shown tremendous growth as musicians and performers, and supported each other every step of the way. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their hard work recognized at such a high level.”

Both BlackOut Percussion and Blizzard Winds have consistently placed first throughout the season in competitions on the NESBA and Maine Band Directors Association (MBDA) circuits. Their talent recently earned regional acclaim at the Dartmouth High School Winter Guard International (WGI) Regional Championships, with BlackOut Percussion placing first in percussion and Blizzard Winds taking second in the winds category. This season marks BlackOut Percussion’s second appearance on the national stage and Blizzard Winds’ first-ever performance at a Regional Championship, making their achievements even more remarkable.

For those who haven’t had the chance to experience these talented performers in action, the ensembles will cap off their season with a Friends and Family Finale Performance on Sunday, April 13, at 1 p.m. in the Biddeford High School Steve White Gym. The community is invited to come celebrate these student musicians and their incredible accomplishments.