MELROSE — On a gorgeous fall afternoon at Lawrence Veterans Memorial Stadium, the Melrose Marching Band delivered their best performance of the season, earning a second place finish and two High Caption Awards in Division 3 at the NESBA Marching Band Finals.
When drum major Mae Donohue called the band to attention, they were born ready and they gave it their all on the field. Performing as the final band in their division, the band and color guard focused every bit of energy into their performance. After a season of hard work, ups and downs, wins and disappointments, this was their day and everything came together for a strong and dynamic final show.
Melrose started their competition season on September 20 in Medford, earning a score of 73.3 at their first competition. By Finals, the show had grown into a polished performance, earning a goal medal and score of 92.7, narrowly edging out a strong Danvers band and finishing just behind first-place Westbrook, ME. Throughout the season, Melrose and Danvers pushed each other to perform at their best, trading wins and keeping audiences on their toes. At Finals, the bands executed their shows so well and as the awards were announced, it was clear Melrose had achieved something special.
The Melrose Color Guard also earned the D3 Best Color Guard High Caption Award, a tremendous achievement for the group led by Captains Edie Blesso and Laurel Wallace. This year’s guard brought a new level of choreography and storytelling to the field under the direction of instructor Casey Doherty. Their flag work, colorful silks and synchronized rifle and sword work elevated the show. From the quiet opening to the emotional finale, the guard’s expressive performance helped shape The Ballad of Mel and Rose: A Swan Love Story into a fully realized story. The guard was thrilled to receive the award, celebrating together on the sideline. Their commitment and teamwork were clear in every toss and catch and their efforts were rightly recognized with this great honor.
This year’s show celebrated Melrose’s 175th birthday and featured music from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish. Clarinet soloist Cameron Shoemaker opened the show and trumpet soloists Nick Berry and Jiji Green closed it out, each serving throughout as the musical voices of the swans, Mel and Rose, surrounded by the full ensemble’s on-field vision of Melrose’s Ell Pond. Brass and woodwinds clashed and merged to depict rival households, tension was built through the guard’s rifles and the drumline and front ensemble added power, drive and depth. Every section brought the story to life with emotion, dynamics and precision.
The Melrose Marching Band is led by Band Director Ben Vermilyea whose vision, encouragement and leadership guided the students through the season. Joined by Color Guard Director Casey Doherty, Assistant Director Tim Corvene, Woodwind Specialist and Visual Instructor Mikayla White and Front Ensemble Instructor Roger Brockelbank, the staff nurtures growth, teamwork and pride in each of the 61 band members.
“After winning first place last year and losing some talented seniors, we knew we had our work cut out for us,” said Vermilyea. “But the new members really stepped up, the returning students worked harder than ever and the band came together as a team. I’m especially grateful for the leadership of this year’s seniors who set a great example and helped everyone rise to the challenge. The band has grown so much since we kicked off in August. I’m proud of the work they’ve put in and how far they’ve come this season.”
Beyond competitions, the Melrose Marching Band has also had a blast supporting Melrose Football and Cheer at home games on Fred Green Field. They bring spirit and fun to the stands week after week and they’re not done yet. You can catch the band, football team and cheerleaders at Fenway Park on November 25 as Melrose takes on rival Wakefield for the annual Thanksgiving Game. Go Melrose!