Snapshots Through the Years
From School Alumni to Community Tradition
What started as a reunion of musicians for two school anniversaries grew into one of Southern Maine's most beloved community bands — a story of vision, community, and a shared love of music.
A Music Director with a Vision
Marcel "Mike" Drapeau serves as music director at both St. Louis High School and Thornton Academy in the Biddeford–Saco area, building deep connections with generations of student musicians in Southern Maine.
Anniversary Celebrations Bring Alumni Back
St. Louis High School prepares for its 50th anniversary and Thornton Academy for its 100th. Alumni musicians return to rehearse for these special events — and Mike sees something remarkable in the reunion. Rather than let the momentum fade, he proposes merging both groups into one united community ensemble.
The Combined Band Holds Its First Rehearsal
Alumni from both schools come together for the very first time as a unified band. It's a milestone moment — one that would define the next 35+ years of community music in Southern Maine.
The Alumni Band's First Concert
On April 22, 1990, The Alumni Band of Biddeford & Saco performs its debut concert at the St. Joseph's Federal Credit Union annual meeting — the first of many performances to come.
La Kermesse — An Annual Tradition Is Born
The band performs at the La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival parade for the first time, marching through the streets of Biddeford. It becomes an annual tradition and one of the band's most recognizable appearances.
One of Southern Maine's Busiest Community Bands
Throughout the 1990s, The Alumni Band grows into one of the most active community bands in the region — performing at parades, concerts, civic ceremonies, and seasonal events across Southern Maine.
Farewell to Our Founder
On January 2, 2001, Marcel "Mike" Drapeau passes away. His loss is deeply felt by every musician he mentored and every community member he touched. His legacy — a band built on belonging, music, and community — lives on in every performance.
Dedicated Conductors Carry the Torch
The Alumni Band continues under dedicated volunteer conductors who honor Mike's vision with the same passion and dedication he brought to every rehearsal. The band's commitment to community, performance, and welcoming musicians of all levels never wavers.
The Marcel "Mike" Drapeau Scholarship
To honor Mike's lifelong commitment to music education, The Alumni Band establishes and awards the Marcel "Mike" Drapeau Scholarship annually — supporting deserving student musicians who plan to pursue music at a four-year college.
Still Playing, Still Growing
More than 35 years after that first rehearsal, The Alumni Band continues to rehearse every Tuesday evening in Biddeford and perform throughout the year. New members are always welcome — no auditions required, just a love of music and a willingness to play.
A Welcoming Home for Adult Musicians
The Alumni Band is a volunteer concert band that rehearses weekly and performs throughout the year. We draw musicians from Biddeford, Saco, and across the Greater Southern Maine area.
Our instrumentation includes woodwinds, brass, and percussion — just like a traditional concert band — and our repertoire spans marches, classical pieces, popular arrangements, and holiday favorites.
- Promote community through live concert band music
- Provide performance opportunities for adult musicians
- Support music education and young musicians
- Honor the legacy of Marcel "Mike" Drapeau
- Welcome players of all skill levels — no auditions
🎵 Weekly Rehearsals
Tuesdays · 6:30 PM
GracePoint Church · 329 South Street, Biddeford, ME
New members are welcome to visit, listen in, or bring an instrument and sit in.
Our Members Include:
School Alumni
Former high school and college band students returning to the music they love
Music Educators
Teachers and professional musicians who want to stay active in an ensemble
Returning Players
Adults picking their instrument back up after years away — always welcome here
Community Members
Anyone who loves band music and wants to be part of a supportive ensemble
"Many of our members are returning to their instruments after years away. If you can read music and want to play again, there's a seat for you here."
Learn How to Join →What The Alumni Band Does Throughout the Year
From summer parades to holiday concerts, we perform at events that bring our community together across Southern Maine.
Christmas Concert
Our beloved annual December tradition drawing audiences from across the region every year
La Kermesse Festival
Marching in the La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival parade in Biddeford every summer
Community Concerts
Seasonal performances and special events at venues throughout the Biddeford–Saco area
Parades & Civic Events
Holiday parades and civic ceremonies — a proud presence in our community's public traditions
Scholarship Concert
Our annual spring concert supporting the Marcel "Mike" Drapeau Scholarship for student musicians
Special Performances
Festivals, town celebrations, and unique events across Southern Maine throughout the year
Our Founder & Conductors
The Alumni Band has been shaped by extraordinary leaders who brought heart, dedication, and professionalism to every rehearsal and performance.
Marcel "Mike" Drapeau
Mike was more than a conductor — he was a mentor, an encourager, and the kind of teacher who made every musician feel welcomed and valued. As music director at both St. Louis High School and Thornton Academy in the late 1980s, he built deep connections with generations of student musicians.
When anniversary celebrations brought alumni back together in 1989, Mike saw something remarkable. Rather than let that momentum fade, he united two groups of alumni musicians into one community band — an act that would define Southern Maine's musical community for decades to come.
"Mike believed that once you played for him, you were part of his musical family for life. The Alumni Band is a living reflection of that belief."
— The Alumni BandOur Conductors
The Alumni Band has been shaped by dedicated conductors who brought heart and professionalism to every rehearsal and performance.
The Marcel "Mike" Drapeau Scholarship
Each year, The Alumni Band awards a scholarship to a deserving student musician who plans to pursue music at a four-year college. Proceeds from concerts and donations fund this award — honoring Mike's lifelong commitment to music education and young musicians in Southern Maine.
Ready to Play Again?
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 all levels, from those who haven't played since high school to experienced performers who want to stay active in a community ensemble.
No auditions in the traditional sense — just a willingness to rehearse, perform, and be part of a supportive group of musicians.