The Montezuma-Cortez High School Marching Panthers celebrate their fourth-place 2A state performance at Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction on Monday, Oct. 27. (M-CHS Athletics and Activities Facebook
Director of Bands William Winslow guides another successful season
CORTEZ – A long line of Montezuma-Cortez High School band seniors and their families honored at halftime of the final home football game nearly stretched from end zone to end zone at Panther Stadium. Their numbers reflect the pride the school takes in its acclaimed band program.
Director of Bands William Winslow, who took the baton several years ago, has built steady momentum. The band’s Friday night performances offer a glimpse into a program that’s become a rhythmic heartbeat of the community.
Early morning practices echoing across Cortez paid off at the state level, where the Marching Panthers earned fourth place in their division.
“I was confident that if the students could really bring it for the semifinals performance on Monday, we had a good shot of moving up a couple of places and making finals,” Winslow said of the team’s leap from sixth to fourth. “It’s pretty rare for teams to jump places in competitive marching band, so to go up two spots is almost unheard of.”
The Panthers advanced to the finals of the 2A division after earning one of 10 semifinalist spots at Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction on Oct. 27. M-CHS scored 66.4 points in the semis and improved to 68 in the finals, finishing behind The Classical Academy (74.7), University (71.85) and Eaton (69.75).
This year’s show, “Limitless,” featured “Another Day of Sun” from La La Land, “Aurora Awakes” by John Mackey and “Dreams” by Van Halen.
The Marching Panthers line up behind drum majors Jonathan Sandner and Becca Story during their fourth-place 2A state performance Oct. 27 at Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction. (M-CHS Athletics and Activities Facebook)
“The music was fun and the students really seemed to buy into it,” Winslow said. “And they were able to put the show on the field faster than we’ve ever been able to before – which gave us plenty of time to refine and polish elements to make it the best possible.”Drum majors Jonathan Sandner, a senior, and Becca Story, a junior, led the band’s coordination.
“They make a great duo,” Winslow said. “They were passionate about making the band better and the culture thrived under their leadership.”
Winslow also credited percussion and color guard coaches Preston and Robyn Sitton, and assistant director Jacob Shackleton, for assembling the show’s many moving parts. Winslow and his wife, Morgan, welcomed their first child this year, deepening his appreciation for the support he’s received.
Experienced performers helped shape expectations for younger students.
“They had great attitudes and high motivation all across the band,” Winslow said. “Just like our music theme, they are limitless, and can achieve absolutely anything they want.”
The M-CHS Marching Panthers perform at halftime of the football team’s season opener at Panther Stadium. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal
The M-CHS Marching Panthers perform their halftime numbers on Senior Night on Friday night at Panther Stadium. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal
The M-CHS Marching Panthers celebrate their Class of ‘26 performers on Senior Night on Friday night at Panther Stadium. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal
The M-CHS Marching Panthers perform their halftime numbers on Senior Night on Friday night at Panther Stadium. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal
During halftime of the M-CHS football game against Wellington, the marching band performed a selection from the movie musical La La Land. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal
Percussionists look to direction from their bandleaders during the Montezuma-Cortez marching band’s halftime performance. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal
