On March 3 from 7:30 – 9 p.m., the Mount Vernon High School gym was filled with music as students from sixth grade through high school performed in the annual Festival of Bands concert. An estimated 500 to 600 people packed the gym floor and nearly filled both sides of the bleachers, creating a lively atmosphere for one of the school’s largest music events of the year.
The concert featured six bands: sixth, seventh and eighth grade concert bands, two high school concert bands and two high school jazz bands. Each concert band performed two songs, while the jazz bands each played three selections. The event showcased a range of musical styles and highlighted the growth of student musicians across grade levels.
Andrew Errington, a sophomore who plays the baritone, has been involved in band for five years. He performs in both the concert band and marching band. Errington said one of his favorite parts about being in band is the opportunity to dress up for performances.
“I like to dress up and look pretty,” Errington said.
Errington said his favorite piece performed by his band is “Ruckas.” The energetic selection was also a favorite of the high school symphonic band, according to band director Scott Weber.
Weber has taught at Mount Vernon for 11 years and has 25 years of teaching experience overall. He said students had been preparing the music for about a month and a half leading up to the concert.
The jazz bands each performed three songs during the event. The first high school jazz band played “Night and Gale Sang in Barkly Square,” while the second high school jazz band performed “Killer on the Keys.” The symphonic band performed “Ruckas,” and the regular concert band performed “Fragile.”
Weber said his favorite part of teaching band is seeing students develop throughout the school year.
“It’s fun to watch the kids grow stronger musically and personally throughout the year,” Weber said.
The Festival of Bands provided younger students with an opportunity to perform in front of a large crowd while also giving families and community members a chance to hear the progress made by students at every level. From sixth graders performing in their early years of band to experienced high school musicians, the concert highlighted how the program builds skills over time.
The evening concluded with a special performance composed by high school student William Turner. For the final piece, directors Rodenberg and Weber stepped into the stands to conduct, creating a unique moment that involved both performers and audience members. The collaborative ending brought together students from different grade levels and emphasized the sense of unity within the band program.
As the final notes echoed through the gym, the Festival of Bands once again showcased the talent and commitment of Mount Vernon’s student musicians.
