The streets of Stonebrook are alive with the sound of marching band music, as the Marching Mustangs prepare to march in a parade in Washington, D.C. on Memorial Day.
It’s a return to the national stage for the Marching Mustangs, who have previously marched in Thanksgiving parades in Chicago.
“This was a parade we were invited to attend, as we were recommended by Dorothy Jacobi of the Northeast Iowa Bandmaster’s Association,” said Scott Weber, director of Mount Vernon Marching Mustangs. “We brought this to the school board and administration, and they said yes. We’re thankful to have the support of the administration and this opportunity for our students.”
Residents in Stonebrook have heard members of the Marching Mustangs getting their marching practice in this past week, as the band has taken to the streets there to work on formation and playing in motion.
Drum major Dylan Winkler said that the band has been working on music for roughly a week before taking to the street, and performing on the national stage is definitely a little more nervewracking.
“It’s a challenge to get back to following formation, especially when we’re marching 120 students strong,” Winkler said. “It’s a great opportunity, however, to be visiting the national stage, and we’ve been anticipating this trek the entire year.”
Senior Trystin Lashley said that learning the music in a two and half week to three week period is a tight timeframe to learn and memorize music, but the band is doing extremely well living up to that challenge.
“I’m really looking forward to marching in the nation’s capital and spending some more time with my friends,” Lashley said. “This is a place deep with history, and I’m excited to visit so many of the sites during our trek.”
Senior Caleb Dausener and percussion line player said he is excited to march in Washington, D.C., as his dad also had that opportunity years ago.
“I know keeping the beat and getting everyone marching together, as well as memorizing the music is a little challenging,” Dausener said. “We’ll have it all memorized by next week and the performance.”
Winkler said he grew up in the Delaware area, so he looks forward to returning and seeing some of the historical sites in the capital.
“It’s exciting to be representing our state at the nation’s capital,” Winkler said.
Senior Michael Briesemeister concurred it will be nice to return to the capital, and see it from a different perspective. Briesemeister will be holding the American flag aloft leading the band through their march.
“Compared to others, there’s not as much challenge for me, since I’m just holding the flag aloft the entire march,” Briesemeister said. “It should be a great time, and I am looking forward to more time with the friends I have made through band.”
Weber said that aside from the support of the administration, this trip would not be possible without the community’s support and fundraising efforts over the past year.
“We’re going to be the only band representing Iowa at this parade, which is a huge honor and opportunity for our program, and we just have to thank everyone for the support,” Weber said.
The band marches through Stonebrook in practices early last week.