Mia Morelli - Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) - Lakewood Ranch High School’s (LRHS) band program is closing out a year defined by elevated performance levels and record-setting student participation.
Under the direction of Dr. John Wilkerson, the program grew musically and competitively, earning recognition at the district, state, and national levels while emphasizing student development.
The marching band delivered one of its strongest seasons in school history. The ensemble earned a score of 87.3 at a major competition, the third-highest score in program history. The group also continued its long-standing success with 24 consecutive Superior ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association Marching Music Performance Assessment.
Additional accomplishments included a Grand Championship win with a score of 87.6, a sixth-place finish at the FMBC State Championship and multiple caption awards for best guard and percussion at every competition attended.
Concert ensembles also reached major milestones. The Symphonic Band earned Straight Superior ratings at Music Performance Assessment for the first time in school history. The Wind Symphony also earned Straight Superiors, continuing a strong tradition of excellence across upper-level ensembles.
The jazz program maintained its success, with the top jazz band earning Straight Superiors and the second jazz band earning Straight Excellents at FBA evaluations.
In indoor activities, Winter Guard earned three regional championships and placed 4th at the state level. Indoor Percussion also had a strong season, earning three regional wins and a bronze medal at the state championship.
Stay updated on more LRHS news by following us on Facebook, Instagram @mustangs_ahead, YouTube or follow the Mustangs Ahead Podcast on Spotify
Student involvement reached record levels this year. A total of 26 students were selected for the SDMC All-County Band, the most of any school in Manatee County.
Additionally, 23 students participated in the Gulf Coast Honor Band, also the highest in the region, with three students earning scholarships: Luke Pereira, Shannon Schroeder, and Abigail Wilkerson.
Layla Le was selected to the FMEA All-State 9th–10th Grade Honor Band, adding another individual honor to the program’s accomplishments.
One of the year’s highlights was the Universal trip, where the ensemble earned Straight Superiors as the only group to do so, won First Place AAA Band, and was named Overall Grand Champion.
The Spring Concert also stood out, featuring performances alongside three nationally recognized guest artists.
For Band President Luke Pereira, the year represented more than awards and accomplishments. Pereira, who was recently elected band president for the upcoming school year, said he is excited about what the leadership team can accomplish moving forward. The position marks a milestone for the program, as it is the first year LRHS has had a band president under Dr. Wilkerson's direction.
Pereira also reflected on how the band culture evolved this year.
"The culture of the band went through a big change this year," Pereira said "It was a lot more confident and positive this year."
As newly elected president. Pereira emphasized his focus moving forward is building on the positive culture created this season.
"I cant really give advice about being president yet but general advice is to always stay positive and never bring anyone else down. We're all working together."
Wilkerson highlighted the program’s growth, noting the increased maturity of students and the ability to perform college-level literature. He described the end-of-year concert as one of the strongest in program history.
Looking ahead, the program will continue with fundamental camps in June and full band camp in July to prepare for the next season.
2026–2027 Lakewood Ranch High School Band Leadership -
Band Leadership
President – Luke Pereira
Vice President – Bella Harmon
Secretary – Ashlyn Withers
Communications Officer – Abigail Wilkerson
Drum Majors
Head Drum Major – Sydney Cross
Field Drum Majors – Caroline Frisbie, Julia Griffin
Horn Sergeants
Woodwinds – Bella Harmon, Abigail Flanigan
Brass – Luke Pereira, Maddox Fernandez
Percussion & Auxiliary Leadership
Battery Captain – Michael Noon
Front Ensemble Captain – Lourdes Deschenes
Guard Captain – Addison Harmmond
Uniform Crew Captain – Maddox Fernandez
Crew Members – Sydney Cramer, Elena Konatar, Freshmen
Section Leaders
Flute – Kaitlyn Wolfe
Clarinet – Layla Le
Alto Sax – Alondra Torres
Low Reeds – Norah Hoyt
Trumpets – Sydney Cramer
Horns – Kaitlyn Kotowski
Co-Baritones – Jacob Gomez, Justin Green
Tubas – Lelia Borghesi
Band Council
President – Luke Pereira
Vice President – Bella Harmon
Secretary – Ashlyn Withers
Communications Officer – Abigail Wilkerson
Head Drum Major – Sydney Cross
Guard Captain – Addison Harmmond
Percussion Representative – Lourdes Deschenes