Pioneer Marching Band sweeps class awards at Mustang Invitational


MUSTANG, Okla. – The Stillwater High School Pioneer Marching Band brought home another class championship Saturday afternoon at the Mustang Marching Invitational and swept the caption awards in class, earning Outstanding Music, Outstanding Visual, and Outstanding General Effect.

In finals performance, their show, entitled “Bloom,” earned a 78.80 score. This is the Pioneer Marching Band’s highest score at the Mustang Invitational, a contest they have competed in since 2017. The score earned a 6th place ranking overall, tied with Piedmont High School. The Pride of Haltom from Haltom City, Texas took home first place overall.

 

“I am proud of the improvement our students made from their preliminary performance to finals,” said Kevin Zamborsky, Stillwater Public Schools director of bands. “The positive reactions we received from the crowd at Mustang, both our supporters and those of other bands, during finals was incredible, and I hope our students remember that feeling.”

 

The Pioneer Marching Band competes next on Saturday at the Renegade Review hosted by Tulsa Union High School.  The Renegade Review traditionally showcases some of the top high school marching bands from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri.

 

“I reminded our students that once we get to October, marching band season goes by quickly, and this upcoming week will be our next to last full week of rehearsals,” Zamborsky said. “Our goal is to continue to build on the show as we prepare for Union next week and the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association state championships the first weekend in November.”

 

The Pioneer Marching Band is a regular finalist in state and regional marching competitions. Stillwater is the reigning bronze medalist at the Oklahoma Bandmasters Associations state championship and was the state academic champion in 2023. The band is under the direction of Kevin Zamborsky, Tricia Bailey-Bovenschen, Megan Perkins, KG Robinson, Katie Genevro and color guard director Darin Williams. Learn more about the Stillwater Public School Band Program at stillwaterbands.org.

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