March 22, 2025
Under the direction of Mr. Jacob Gebhart, the Bangor Middle School Band, comprising talented musicians from James F. Doughty and William S. Cohen schools, achieved a Gold Award at the Maine State Jazz Festival held in Waterville. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the band’s hard work and dedication.
The band’s impressive performance featured three dynamic pieces: "Crank it Up" by Patrick Broadbent, "If I Gave My Heart" by Kris Berg, and the energetic "Hip Hip Hop" by Steve Shanley. Each selection showcased the band’s versatility and the students' commitment to their craft.
“The students truly exceeded all of my expectations,” expressed Mr. Gebhart. “They executed at an extremely high level, and I am so proud of the effort and practice they put in to improve every time they stepped on stage. They truly made it count in our last performance.”
The success at the festival highlights not only the musical abilities of the students but also the guidance and leadership of Mr. Gebhart. The Gold Award win is a significant achievement for the Bangor Middle School Band, marking a high point in their musical journey and demonstrating their passion for music and commitment to excellence.