Gianna Platt- Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- Lakewood Ranch High School’s (LRHS) music programs recently celebrated their strong performances, with both the band and orchestra earning recognition at competitions and county events.

The LRHS Marching Mustangs placed second overall across all classes and were named the Class 4A Champions on Oct. 3, at the Naples Outdoor Marching Band Competition.

The Mustangs also received multiple class awards, including Best in Class Music, Best in Class Visual, Best in Class General Effect, Best in Class Percussion and Best in Class Color Guard.

The LRHS percussion section finished first overall. Behind them was Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy scoring 71.5 points; Palmetto Ridge finished third with 68.5 points, followed by Gulf Coast with 66.5 points.

In the overall band rankings, Palmetto Ridge finished first with a score of 74.725, with LRHS following closely with a 71.15.

Stay updated on more LRHS news by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or follow the Mustangs Ahead Podcast on Spotify

LRHS band director Dr. John Wilkerson stated, “We competed as a Class 4A program with 117 members, compared to Palmetto Ridge’s Class 6A program with 220 members.” So, finishing so closely next to a significantly larger and higher classified band is a big accomplishment for the marching mustangs.

Last Saturday, the LRHS orchestra also earned recognition after several students performed with the Manatee All-County Honor’s Orchestra at the Sarasota Performing Arts center.

The students performed five pieces under the direction of Dr. Robyn Bell, who is a conductor and artistic director of the Sarasota Pops Orchestra.

The LRHS students that were selected for the All-County Honor’s Orchestra included Preston Stanoch, Elena Gates, Mariella Martinez Reyes and Stella Percoco on violin, Elizabeth Argo and Hailey Birkin on viola, and Kai Carlson and Amira Sulemani on cello.