The King Philip Regional High School Marching Band are National Champions after winning the 2026 USBands Division II Open for the third year in a row. (Photo Courtesy King Philip Regional School District)
WRENTHAM — King Philip Regional School District Superintendent Rich Drolet and King Philip Regional High School Principal Nicole Bottomley are proud to announce that for the third year in a row, members of the King Philip Regional High School Marching Band have been named the USBands Division II Open National Champions.
“Three times at the top is an amazing achievement,” said Superintendent Drolet. “We are very proud of our KPHS Marching Band student performers and we also want to thank Marching Band Director Michael Keough, Marching Band Assistant Director/Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair Josh Wolloff, our other Marching Band instructors, and the King Philip Music Association (KPMA), which is our outstanding parent and community organization that supports the music programs in our King Philip Regional School District.”
On Saturday, Nov. 7, the KPRHS Marching Band again traveled to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., to compete in the 2026 USBands National Championships.
The defending champions had yet another stellar showing, their finals performance earning First Place in Division II Open. The band also captured three caption awards for Best Music, Best Percussion and Best Overall Effect.
“This competition capped off an exceptional and undefeated season for the Marching Band,” said Principal Bottomley. “Congratulations to all the student performers on their inspired performance and a huge thank you to Michael Keough and Josh Wolloff for their steadfast leadership!”
In Saturday’s final performance, the KPRHS Marching Band scored 92.125, winning the top spot.
“My favorite part of the weekend is seeing the joy and rush of emotions the students share right after the performance,” said Mr. Wolloff. “I’m very proud of our students and staff who are expertly led by Mr. Keough. His tireless efforts are truly an inspiration to us all.”
The KPRHS Marching Band is made up of about 50 members from grades 8 -12. The winning performance was the result of more than 140 hours of practice between May and November.
Following the competition, as the Marching Band’s buses returned home from New Jersey, they received a police escort and were greeted by cheering supporters.
The KPRHS Marching Band secured their place at the top of New England rankings earlier this year, winning the 2026 USBands New England State Championship in the Open – Group II division with a score of 94.8, on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Stoughton High School.
“Our musicians continue to be the heart and soul of the King Philip Regional School District,” said Superintendent Drolet. “Winning three years in a row is an unprecedented testament to our band’s dedication, hard work and talent.”
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The King Philip Regional High School Marching Band are National Champions after winning the 2026 USBands Division II Open for the third year in a row. (Photo Courtesy King Philip Regional School District)
The King Philip Regional High School Marching Band are National Champions after winning the 2026 USBands Division II Open for the third year in a row. (Photo Courtesy King Philip Regional School District)
The King Philip Regional High School Marching Band are National Champions after winning the 2026 USBands Division II Open for the third year in a row. (Photo Courtesy King Philip Regional School District)
The King Philip Regional High School Marching Band are National Champions after winning the 2026 USBands Division II Open for the third year in a row. (Photo Courtesy King Philip Regional School District)
The King Philip Regional High School Marching Band are National Champions after winning the 2026 USBands Division II Open for the third year in a row. (Photo Courtesy King Philip Regional School District)
The King Philip Regional High School Marching Band are National Champions after winning the 2026 USBands Division II Open for the third year in a row. (Photo Courtesy King Philip Regional School District)
The King Philip Regional High School Marching Band are National Champions after winning the 2026 USBands Division II Open for the third year in a row. (Photo Courtesy King Philip Regional School District)