Dillsboro native leading Vanderbilt University marching band

She was featured on national TV this past weekend

(NASHVILLE, TN.) – A South Dearborn graduate is having the time of her life as part of Vanderbilt University’s ‘Spirit of Gold’ Marching Band!

Despite only being a sophomore, Mary Hallgarth is the band’s Trombone Section leader and is also responsible for leading the entire marching band during parades and social events.

She also has the unique responsibility of leading crowd cheers during games.

The Dillsboro native is coming off a big weekend where Vanderbilt was featured on ESPN’s College Gameday for the first time since 2008. 

She and her bandmates had to get up early on Friday to appear on ABC’s Good Morning America and was also featured throughout the College Gameday broadcast on Saturday. 

Here are some pictures from Saturday:

Hallgarth says it is a dream come true to attend Vanderbilt and is soaking in every moment. 

“Although I don’t want to be a musician professionally, people here will support you and give you amazing opportunities,” Hallgarth said. 

She is hoping to earn her PHD in Medical Anthropology. Her long-term goal is to study youth mental illness in rural areas. 

Not only is Hallgarth excelling with the marching band, she also serves on Vanderbilt’s Inclusion Board, Student Alumni Board, Project Cure (a cancer research project), and is in Alpha Delta Pi. 

She recalls how South Dearborn prepared her for the success she is having in post-secondary education. 

“I was involved in everything musically while there, but also was on the Academic Team, was team captain of Cross Country and Track, National Honor Society,  Student Government President, Art Club and more,” she said. 

Hallgarth does attribute a lot of her success to South Dearborn Band Director David Pallada as well.  

“It takes a village and a lot of support. I believe anyone from South Dearborn can take this similar path if they want to,” she said. 

RELATED: Hallgarth isn't the only Vanderbilt connection to Southeast Indiana. One of the football coaches has relation that lives in Batesville. Read that story here.