Atherton Award Recipient
Alex Mazur, 2020

Alex Mazur
Trombone

Alex Mazur currently teaches band at Xavier High School in Appleton, Wisconsin. As part of the Xavier staff, Alex teaches 2 curricular high school ensembles, a before school jazz band, and directs the fall musical pit orchestra. In addition, the Xavier Marching Band performs for 3 parades, a Homecoming halftime show, and many pep bands across their successful sports programs. Alex coaches boys & girls tennis, with the girls having recently won the conference championship. He enjoys joining his students in performing for community events at pizza parlors, fire department chili fundraisers, and general Christmas caroling.

Alex is a proud alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he earned his Bachelor of Music Education-Instrumental in December of 2021. Upon graduation, Alex taught at Patrick Marsh Middle School in Sun Prairie with great teacher and friend Chris Gleason. Alex then accepted the Director of Bands position at Viroqua MS/HS where he taught from 2022-2024. Alex co-directed the Viroqua Community Band and participated in the Ridgetones Choir, Viroqua Handbell Choir, ABVM Church Choir, and Westby Community Band. He also coached boys and girls tennis for the Blackhawks.

A passionate arranger, Alex continually writes arrangements performed by marching bands, pep bands, show bands, and his 6 member brass band from his Chippewa Falls High School days that still performs regularly at weddings. He enjoys making fun and creative videos on YouTube and Instagram and collaborating with friends. 

During his time at UW-Eau Claire, Alex was a member of the trombone studio, Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, University Symphony Orchestra, Jazz 1, Concert Choir, Trombone Choir, and the Blugold Marching Band where he served three seasons as Section Leader. During this time, Alex was also fortunate enough to serve as a student co-director of Jazz 4, director of the Cabaret Orchestra, conduct a piece for Symphony Band and Trombone Choir, and was awarded the Brandon Atherton Scholarship and Award from the Blugold Marching Band.

“The Blugold Marching Band’s electric performances after my high school competitions were an immense motivator for me in choosing UWEC. Most of my favorite memories from college happened in connection to this ensemble. I met my future best friends and roommates in this group, received invaluable leadership experience and feedback from my peers, and learned confidence in solo performances in front of thousands of people. The band’s attitude is contagiously positive and hardworking. I have never been connected to a group more universally appreciated and supported by its members, the school, and the community. They put in the effort because they love the activity— and they don’t succeed unless the veterans support those who struggle (although the band always wins). Since graduating, this ensemble self-helping mindset is something I try to foster in every group I step in front of. My experience abroad with BMB in southeast Asia and Australia/New Zealand has opened up the world to me and instilled a lifelong appreciation for travel. I am grateful for my time in BMB and am thankful for Dr. Dickerson and the staff who give so much to make it great.

Go Blugolds!”