Mountain Ridge High School Band Becomes Group 3A Atlantic Coast Champions 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CUMBERLAND, Md. (Nov. 10, 2026) — The Mountain Ridge High School Marching Band took first place in its group at the 2026 Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Championships on Saturday, Nov. 7, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The Marching Miners competed in Group 3A, earning a score of 91.22 out of 100. The band also earned awards for best visual effect, best musical effect and best color guard. Roger Walker is Mountain Ridge High School’s director of instrumental music, a position he has held since 2025.

Marching bands from Allegany and Fort Hill high schools also performed at the Atlantic Coast Championships. The Allegany High School Marching Band earned a score of 88.5 and placed fifth in Group 1-Open, and the Fort Hill High School Marching Band placed third in Group 2-Open, earning a score of 89.2.

“It has been a great joy to witness the successes of the Mountain Ridge instrumental music program. Their accomplishments on the marching field are a great example of the caliber of music education our students receive. Congratulations to Mr. Walker and his staff for a job well done,” said Jeff Avey, the district’s supervisor of fine arts. 

Drum majors celebrate title

Senior drum major Will Shertzer, a fifth-year band member, was also in the band when it won the Maryland Marching Band Association’s State Championship in 2022. He reflected on the honor of earning two prestigious titles.

“I’m just so proud of everyone who has tried their hardest for the betterment of the band,” Shertzer said. “This band has met all of the expectations I have had for them, and I want to thank Mr. Walker for stepping in as band director when we needed him the most.”

Junior drum major Penny Bogart, a third-year band member, echoed Shertzer’s sentiments.

“After a couple of years of setbacks, the band has persevered to achieve an undefeated season,” Bogart said. “The best part of winning is seeing everyone so full of joy and fulfillment. It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the band as its drum major, and I am so proud of what the band has achieved.”

For more information, please visit acpsmd.org.