SOUTH PORTLAND – The 25th annual Marching Band Finals for high school bands, sponsored by the Maine Band Directors Association was held on Saturday, Nov. 1 at South Portland High School.

Thirteen high school bands from central and southern Maine and coastal New Hampshire performed for evaluations and an enthusiastic audience.

During the performances, 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 Lawrence, Sanford and Wells. Sanford High School received four stars in the evaluated area of Drum Major. Lawrence and Wells received three stars for Drum Major, and Wells also received three stars for Music.

Bands receiving silver medals were Biddeford, Edward Little, Leavitt, Marshwood and Westbrook. Biddeford, Leavitt and Westbrook received four stars for Drum Major.

Bands receiving gold medals in the 2008 Finals were Dover, Old Orchard Beach, Portsmouth, Salem and South Portland.