The Bainbridge High School marching band set a school record when it won first place in the “A” Division and placed fourth overall at the Puget Sound Festival of Bands in Everett Oct. 28.

For three years, Chris Thomas, director of bands, has been rebuilding the program since returning from the COVID pandemic. This year, the combined efforts of more experienced musicians and color guard performers, three alum coaches, one parent volunteer assistant coach, and a platoon of other parent volunteers supported the band at every game and competition. By season’s end, the Spartans had competed in three competitions and brought home eight awards.

“They played their best when it counted the most. It was a big team effort today,” Thomas said on the last day.

The band took first place at the Peninsula Classic in Gig Harbor; at the Music in Motion competition in Everett Oct. 7 it won Best Visuals in “A” Division; and they ended the season with their highest score ever. They also won Best Percussion and the Best Visual awards with their field show “Seven.”

Much larger bands finished in the top three: Cheney was first, Tahoma second and West Valley High School third.

Thomas looks forward to planning for next year “with a lot of great help and wonderful student leaders.”