BANGOR – The music was great, the crowd was pleased and the performers were extraordinary, officials said after the seventh annual 3 Bands Concert on April 1 at the Maine Center for the Arts in Orono. In addition, the Bangor Police Department was honored for its efforts in mental health.

Students from Old Town’s Leonard Middle School band, the Hampden Academy band and the University of Maine concert band performed during the gala to benefit youth services at The Acadia Hospital.

The guest conductor was nationally known composer, arranger and conductor Steven Reineke of Cincinnati. As a special treat, concert-goers heard the world premier of Reineke’s composition, “Where Eagles Soar,” which celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Acadia Hospital and honors those who live successfully with mental illness.

“It was a thrill and an honor,” said Reineke, “to be invited back to conduct the 3 Bands Concert. The spirit of the celebration was palpable and the student musicians were outstanding. The communities involved with the concert should be proud of their music programs.”

The University of Maine School of Performing Arts worked in conjunction with Eastern Maine Charities and Acadia Hospital to organize the event.

“Three Bands is a community event,” said Christopher White, UMaine concert band director, “that brings adults and young people together for a wonderful cause. It provides a unique opportunity for three levels of musicians to share center stage. This year was a special thrill for the UMaine concert band as we had the opportunity to be involved in premiering a new piece of music.”

In addition, Acadia Chief Executive Officer Dorothy Hill presented the annual Dorothea Dix Mental Healthcare Advocacy Award to the Bangor Police Department.

“Under the leadership of Chief Don Winslow,” Hill said, “the Bangor Police Department has incorporated mental health workers in their patrols and have worked closely with Acadia Hospital and our narcotic treatment program. We are delighted to honor them with the Dorothea Dix Award.”

Dorothea Dix, born in Hampden in 1802, brought public attention to the plight of the mentally ill and helped establish hospitals for their care.

Sponsors of the concert were Bangor Daily News, WVII ABC-7, Affiliated Healthcare Systems, WZON-WKIT-WDME Radio and Bangor Savings Bank. Georgia-Pacific Foundation helped underwrite the commissioned music.