Marching Mountaineers finish out phenomenal fall season

Look to continue success during the winter concert and pep season
The Mt. Vernon High School marching band has had a phenomenal season finishing first in their district in all three competitions attended this year and bringing home 14 new trophies in the process.
The Marching Mt’neers, led by director Alex Weinzierl, with the help of assistant director Jack Milzarek,  color guard instructor Cadance Wright and marching band technician Sonia Brekken attended three competitions this year: the Carl Junction Marching Festival on Sept. 16, the Valhalla Marching Festival at Parkview High School on Oct. 7 and the Ozark Mountain Marching Festival at Reeds Spring High School on Oct. 21.
Weinzierl is in his first year as Director of the Marching Mt’neers after taking over after longtime director Brad Heckman retired at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
“The trophies, awards, and honors that the student’s received this year are only the result of their goal to be the best version of themselves that they can be” Weinzierl said. “We talk about not focusing on anyone but ourselves and being better than who we were the day before. These students have grown tremendously over the course of this season, and this is a result of their receptiveness, work ethic, and focus. They are extremely committed to working together for a purpose that is bigger than themselves.”
The group started their season on Sept. 16, at Carl Junction High School in the Carl Junction Marching Festival where they earned first place Class A, outstanding winds and outstanding color guard. They finished the finals round in eighth place overall.
Next up was a trip to Parkview High School where they competed in the Valhalla Marching Festival on Oct. 7. Again, the group turned heads as they earned first place Class B, Outstanding Marching and Maneuvering and Outstanding Drum-Major (Hannah Bushman). They finished the finals round in 11th place overall and Hannah Bushman was awarded Outstanding Drum Major.
The awards didn’t stop there. The group marched their way to a first place Class B finish in the Ozark Mountain Marching Festival at Reeds Spring High School on Oct. 21. They also received awards for Outstanding Music, Outstanding Visual, Outstanding Percussion and Trumpet Section Leader, Madalynn Copley received Outstanding Soloist
In addition to the three major competitions the Marching Mt’neers also performed at every home game and in the 2023 Apple Butter Makin’ Days Parade on Oct. 14.
“I’m extremely proud of the hard work, focus, and attention to detail that these students have put into preparing and performing this show. They have committed themselves to showing up, getting better each and every day, with only ourselves as the standard.” said Weinzierl “We are looking forward to carrying this momentum into the next marching band season in the Fall of 2024.
With the fall season coming to an end the group will now transition to concert and pep band as they prepare for multiple upcoming performances, including their Winter Concert which will be held on Thursday, Dec. 14. This concert will feature all band students of the Mt. Vernon Band Program, grades 6-12. You will also see them performing at the home basketball games.
Weinzierl also wanted to extend his appreciation to the administration, as well as the Band Boosters, and sponsors for all of their support and hard work they’ve given to the students.