Emotional!!! Netflix Announces Release Date for Special Documentary Honoring West Virginia Mountaineer Marching Band — Now the World’s Top Marching Band
In an announcement that has stirred hearts across the Mountain State and beyond, Netflix has officially revealed the release date for its upcoming emotional and celebratory documentary, The Pride of the Mountains: The Story of the WVMB. The film honors the remarkable journey of the West Virginia Mountaineer Marching Band (WVMB), which has now earned the distinguished title of the Top Marching Band in the World.
Set to premiere on August 15, 2025, the documentary will be a deeply moving tribute to a band whose legacy spans over a century — a story built on grit, unity, precision, and Appalachian pride. Known affectionately as “The Pride of West Virginia,” the WVMB has represented the state with unmatched musical and visual excellence, and the Netflix film promises to pull back the curtain on the heart and soul behind every step, every note, and every formation.
A Global Spotlight on a Local Treasure
What began as a modest campus ensemble has grown into a cultural phenomenon, one that not only captures the spirit of the West Virginia University (WVU) community but also symbolizes unity and excellence on a global scale. The documentary — directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Lila Bennett — will explore the band’s origins, struggles, victories, and, most importantly, the people who turned it into a world-renowned institution.
Netflix has described the film as “a testament to the power of music, discipline, and collective identity,” emphasizing that this isn’t just a documentary about performances — it’s about family.
“We are proud to tell the story of the WVMB — not just because of their technical excellence, but because of what they represent,” said Bennett. “This band is a heartbeat. It’s West Virginia’s voice on the national and now global stage. It’s a group that brings thousands to tears, game after game.”
Journey to Becoming the Best in the World
The path to earning the world’s top ranking wasn’t easy. Over the years, WVMB has performed in prestigious parades, bowl games, national showcases, and even presidential inaugurations. But what set them apart was their ability to evoke deep emotional responses through stunning halftime shows and unwavering commitment to tradition.
In 2025, the band competed in the International Marching Arts World Showcase held in Vienna, Austria, where they performed a soul-stirring medley blending Appalachian folk music with contemporary orchestration. The performance received a standing ovation from an international panel of judges, cementing WVMB’s position as the best marching band on the planet.
The Netflix documentary will feature rare footage from this historic performance, combined with behind-the-scenes rehearsals, interviews with band members past and present, and testimonials from music legends and alumni who credit WVMB with shaping their lives.
Voices from the Pride
One of the documentary’s most anticipated aspects is its inclusion of heartfelt interviews from current and former members of the band.
“I never imagined my life would change by joining this band,” says drum major Kayla Stevenson, who appears in the film. “It taught me discipline, family, and how to push myself beyond limits I didn’t even know I had. To be part of something that’s now recognized as the best in the world — it’s emotional. I cried when I saw the final cut.”
Former band director Dr. Jay Drury, who served the program with distinction for over two decades, also features prominently in the film. “It’s not just about notes and rhythms,” Drury says in a trailer. “It’s about telling the story of West Virginia — our struggles, our triumphs, our resilience. That’s what this band is.”
Emotional Ties to West Virginia
More than just an ensemble, WVMB is a spiritual thread tying together generations of West Virginians. The band’s rendition of “Simple Gifts” or the iconic “Country Roads” closer has become ritualistic, often bringing entire stadiums to tears.
That emotional resonance is not lost on Netflix producers, who devoted months to capturing the landscapes and people that make the WVMB experience unique. From the rolling Appalachian hills to the crowded stands at Milan Puskar Stadium, the film celebrates not just a band, but a way of life.
WVU President E. Gordon Gee called the documentary a “historic recognition of our university’s soul.”
“WVMB is the sound of our Saturdays. The soundtrack to our victories. And now, the world will hear what we’ve always known — that the spirit of Mountaineer Nation lives in every beat, every march, and every cheer,” Gee said in a public statement.
A Film for the Ages
Netflix is planning a massive promotional rollout, including a red carpet premiere at the Metropolitan Theatre in Morgantown, WV, on August 12 — just three days before the global release. Alumni, fans, and the entire WVU community are invited to attend the screening and participate in a celebratory tailgate and live performance by the current band.
The streaming platform is also launching a limited docuseries podcast titled Echoes from the Field, offering audio interviews, unreleased music, and director’s commentary that further explores the depth of the band’s legacy.
Music educators across the country have hailed the documentary as a potential turning point for the future of school music programs.
“When students see this, they’re going to want to pick up instruments. They’ll see what’s possible when passion meets perseverance,” said Dr. Linda Torres, chair of the National Music Education Alliance.
A Legacy Etched in Brass and Drum
As the documentary’s trailer closes with a slow-motion shot of WVMB’s golden uniforms glinting under stadium lights and the crowd singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” it’s clear: this isn’t just a story about a band. It’s a story about identity, home, and the unshakable spirit of West Virginia.
And now, thanks to Netflix, the world is finally invited to witness the magic of the Mountaineers.
The Pride of the Mountains: The Story of t
he WVMB premieres August 15, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.
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