About The Alumni Band of Southern Maine
The Alumni Band of Southern Maine is a community concert band made up of former high school, college, and community musicians who still love to play. Based in the Biddeford–Saco area, we perform concerts, parades, and special events throughout Southern Maine, keeping live band music and local traditions alive.
Snapshots of The Alumni Band
From Christmas concerts and parades to historic photos from the early years, these images capture just a small part of The Alumni Band’s story in Southern Maine.
From School Alumni Band to Community Tradition
The Alumni Band grew out of the local school music programs in Biddeford and Saco. What started as a way for alumni to march in parades and play at anniversary celebrations soon became something more: a true community band where musicians of all ages could keep performing long after graduation.
Over the years, The Alumni Band has appeared at parades, festivals, civic ceremonies, and seasonal concerts across Southern Maine. We’ve become a familiar sight and sound at events like the La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival, local holiday parades, and annual Christmas concerts.
Today, the band continues to honor its roots while welcoming new generations of musicians who want to play, perform, and stay connected to the music community.
What The Alumni Band Does Today
The Alumni Band is a volunteer concert band that rehearses weekly and performs throughout the year. Our members include:
- Former high school and college band students
- Music educators and professional musicians
- Adults returning to their instruments after years away
- Community members who simply love band music
We rehearse in Biddeford and draw musicians from across Southern Maine and the Greater Portland area. Our instrumentation includes woodwinds, brass, percussion, and more—just like a traditional concert band.
Throughout the year, The Alumni Band:
- Performs at community concerts and town celebrations
- Marches in local parades and summer festivals
- Hosts a popular Christmas Concert each December
- Supports local music education through the Marcel “Mike” Drapeau Scholarship
Our goal is simple: to share the joy of live band music with our community and to give musicians a welcoming, supportive place to keep playing.
Our Conductors & Our Founder
The Alumni Band has been shaped by extraordinary leaders who brought heart, dedication, and professionalism to every rehearsal and performance. Our conductors guide us with musical expertise and a passion for keeping community band traditions alive in Southern Maine. Their work strengthens not only our sound, but our community.
Equally important is the foundation laid by our founder, Marcel “Mike” Drapeau. His vision created a welcoming place where musicians of all backgrounds could continue performing long after graduation. Mike’s legacy lives on in our concerts, our scholarship program, and the strong sense of community that defines The Alumni Band today.
Supporting Music Education in Southern Maine
The Alumni Band doesn’t just perform—we also give back. Through the Marcel “Mike” Drapeau Scholarship, we help support local students who plan to continue their music education in college. The scholarship honors our founding director’s lifelong commitment to music, teaching, and community.
Proceeds from concerts and donations help fund this scholarship and keep the band running, so we can keep providing live music and educational opportunities for years to come.
Interested in Joining The Alumni Band?
If you’ve ever thought, “I miss playing in band,” you’re exactly who we’re here for. The Alumni Band welcomes adult musicians of many levels—from those who haven’t played since high school to experienced performers who want to stay active in a community ensemble.
We rehearse weekly in Biddeford, Maine, and perform at concerts and events throughout the year. There are no auditions in the traditional sense—just a willingness to rehearse, perform, and be part of a supportive group of musicians.
To learn more about rehearsals, upcoming performances, or how to join: