With an explosion of sound and color, Spartans took first place Friday evening at Music on the Mountain drum and bugle corps competition in Sheffield.

It was full of sound and fury, signifying nothing but high-level brass, percussion, and color guard.

The Sheffield Music on the Mountain Drum and Bugle Corps Competition returned to Wolverine Mountain after a two-year hiatus to an enthusiastic crowd of at least 700.

Music, marching, and dance were all parts of the spectacle that was a treat for the eyes and for the ears.

Those in attendance enjoyed the performances of four groups – Raiders, of Trenton, N.J., Southwind, of Mobile, Ala., Legends, of Kalamazoo, Mich., and defending champion Spartans, of Nashua, N.H.

Following their shows, each corps performed an unjudged encore piece, just for the fans.

Times Observer photos by Brian Ferry Raiders opened the show to an enthusiastic crowd of over 700 Friday at Sheffield Music on the Mountain.

The results from the Drum Corps International judges, who scored each group on a number of visual and musical criteria, were announced immediately following the show.

Spartans marched away with the crown again this year, with a score of 72.4.

Southwind narrowly edged Legends for second place by a score of 68.0 to 67.3.

Raiders ended up with a score of 59.1.

After two years off, organizers were more than happy with the performances, and with attendance.

With an explosion of sound and color, Spartans took first place Friday evening at Music on the Mountain drum and bugle corps competition in Sheffield.

“The stands are full,” Chairman Art Lane said. “That’s what I want. This is a good crowd for us.”

Southwind rocked the mountain at Sheffield on Friday, taking second place in the Music on the Mountain.