Lewiston High School Band Wins Best Overall Music Program

Bengal Bands take top honor at national WorldStrides Heritage Festival Competition in Orlando

Apr. 4, 2026 at 7:05am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration using bold black shapes and bright red and white colors to conceptually represent a triumphant school music program.Lewiston High School's award-winning music program celebrates a prestigious national victory with vibrant, graphic energy.Lewiston Today

The Lewiston High School Bengal Bands were awarded the prize for best overall music program at the WorldStrides Heritage Festival competition in Orlando, Florida. The school's choir, band, and jazz band received the highest combined score among the ensembles from across the country that participated in the national competition.

Why it matters

The WorldStrides Heritage Festival is a prestigious national competition that recognizes excellence in school music programs. Lewiston High School's victory, as the farthest west school to participate, is a significant achievement that highlights the strength and dedication of their music department and students.

The details

Brendan Burns, an LHS music teacher, explained that the school's choir, band, and jazz band received the highest average combined score at the competition, earning them the award for best overall music program. Burns said the students were 'ecstatic' and 'shocked' to win, as there were many highly qualified ensembles from across the country participating.

  • The WorldStrides Heritage Festival competition took place last week in Orlando, Florida.

The players

Lewiston High School Bengal Bands

The school's choir, band, and jazz band ensembles that competed in the WorldStrides Heritage Festival.

Brendan Burns

An LHS music teacher who oversees the school's award-winning music program.

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What they’re saying

“The kids were ecstatic. They were shocked because there were a lot of ensembles that were highly qualified from all over the country.”

— Brendan Burns, LHS Music Teacher

The takeaway

Lewiston High School's music program has demonstrated its excellence on a national stage, showcasing the talent and dedication of its students and teachers. This victory underscores the school's commitment to music education and its ability to compete with the best programs in the country.