Bluffton Bengal Brigade
The Bengal Brigade began its marching history as the Marching Tigers and was a parade unit into the 1960's. As a competitive unit, the band won early titles at the Lion's Convention and in the American Legion summer circuit. The Bengal Brigade name emerged in the late 1970's and by 1979 earned state titles in Class C in NISBOVA and the All-State Marching Band Contest, which eventually evolved into ISSMA. The Bengal Brigade repeated as Class C state champion in 1980. The band has appeared in ISSMA Class D State Finals competition eight times: 1981, 1983, 1984, 1986, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2011. The band has appeared in ISSMA Scholastic Finals: 2016, 2017, and 2024.
Contest Information
For information regarding our annual contests please visit our contests page
Mr. Holden Berlin - Director of Bands
Holden Berlin comes from Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he attended Northrop High School. Following high school, Mr. Berlin attended Ball State University to obtain his Bachelor of Science in Music Educaton (2013-2017). During his time at Ball State, Holden led the Pride of Mid America Marching Band as Drum Major (2015, 2016), was President of the BSU National Band Assocation Chapter (2016, 2017), helped create the United Sound BSU Chapter (2015), and participated in numerous university and local ensembles, most notably The Muncie Symphony Educational Brass Quintet. Holden's previous work experience is from Blackford County Schools where he served as the 7th - 12th Grade Band Director. Mr. Berlin has three dogs (Remi, Peach, and Benny), enjoys kayaking and playing Euchure with friends, and playing music with the Midwest Brass Quintet.
Email: hberlin@bhmsd.org
Hailey Lapierre - Assistant Director
Hailey Lapierre graduated in 2016 from Northrop High School in Fort Wayne, IN. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Instrumental Music Education from Manchester University in 2020. Hailey’s previous work experience has been as the percussion director at Manchester Jr/Sr High. She became the Assistant Director of the Bluffton Bengal Brigade in 2020. She is currently working as a K-5 Music Teacher at Lincoln Elementary and Washington Elementary. Hailey resides in Fort Wayne and is married to Freddie Lapierre.
Greg Lehman – Percussion Director
Bio Coming Soon!
Scott Shoup - Visual Tech
Kent Klee - Music Arranger
Adam Shull - Drill Writer
Stacy Lehman - Visual Tech