Marcel "Mike"
Drapeau
Educator. Conductor. Mentor. A man whose love of music — sparked by a battered old clarinet at age ten — shaped generations of musicians and built a community that endures to this day.
A Life Devoted to Music
Marcel "Mike" Drapeau was born on February 25, 1936, in Biddeford, Maine — the son of Henry J. and Eliza Neault Drapeau. He grew up in the city he would spend his life serving, educated in Biddeford's Catholic schools before graduating from St. Louis High School in 1955.
His relationship with music began at age ten, when Brother Hervey Lemaire — then the band director at St. Louis High School — lent young Marcel an old, beaten-down clarinet. He immediately began studying with a local musician who had, for many years, played clarinet in the Barnum & Bailey's Circus Band. It was a humble beginning that would lead somewhere extraordinary.
By the time he reached sixth grade, Marcel had auditioned and earned a spot in the St. Louis High School Band — remarkable for a student so young. In seventh grade, he was selected to represent his school at the All New England Concert Band, directed by Dr. Frank Simon, a former solo trumpet player for the legendary John Philip Sousa.
"Marcel Drapeau's music enthusiasm began when he was ten years old... He immediately started his clarinet studies from a local musician who had, for many years, played clarinet in the Barnum & Bailey's Circus Band."
— From his obituary, January 2001Throughout his high school years, Mike led his own dance band that was booked all over the tri-state area. He went on to study at the State Teachers College in Gorham (now the University of Southern Maine), served in the 136th Army Band, and performed with some of the finest musicians in the region — including the Randy Brooks Band, which recorded the classic tune "Tenderly," still heard today.
30 Years in the Classroom
Mike's professional life was defined by three decades of dedication to music education. He served 13 years at St. Louis High School and 13 years at Thornton Academy — and during that time he was always known to have the top band in the state of Maine.
His influence extended far beyond his own classroom. He served five years on the All State Music Educators Board, was active with the All State Chorus for two years, and was appointed Vice President of the All State Band for three years. He also served the University of Southern Maine's Music Department as a technician in rehearsal techniques for four years.
Mike believed deeply that performing arts programs in schools had been in decline — and he felt strongly that they are an integral part of every school curriculum. In his own words, he believed that the performing arts instill in students a high self-esteem and a sense of confidence, leading to excellence in other academic areas.
Mike in the Community
His Journey, Note by Note
From a borrowed clarinet in grade school to a community band that still performs today — this is the story of Marcel "Mike" Drapeau.
The Marcel "Mike" Drapeau Scholarship
Keeping His Mission Alive
Mike believed that the performing arts are an integral part of every student's education — that music instills self-esteem, confidence, and a path to excellence in all areas of life. To honor that conviction, The Alumni Band established the Marcel "Mike" Drapeau Scholarship.
Awarded annually to a graduating senior who plans to pursue music at a four-year college or university, the scholarship recognizes musical excellence, leadership, academic achievement, and community involvement — the very values Mike championed throughout his life and career.
It is the band's most direct way of ensuring that Mike's mission — empowering young musicians — continues for generations to come.
When the Saints Go Marching In
"When the Saints Go Marching In" was Mike Drapeau's favorite song — a jubilant, spirited march that perfectly captured the joy and community he brought to every rehearsal and performance. It's only fitting that it remains part of The Alumni Band's repertoire to this day, played in his memory.
Listen to our recording below — and think of Mike.
Recorded live by The Alumni Band of Southern Maine
Keep the Music Playing
The best way to honor Mike Drapeau is to do exactly what he did — show up, play, and welcome others in. Join us any Tuesday at 6:30 PM.
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