Caroline Bartlomiejczuk and Mia Morelli- Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) - The Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) band earned 39 spots in the School District of Manatee County (SDMC) All-County Honor Band following its recent blind auditions, including nine students who earned first-chair positions in their respective instrument groups.
The results recognize the hard work and dedication of LRHS band members, who spent weeks preparing for the auditions and embracing the challenge of performing at a higher level.
"I am extremely proud of all of our band members who auditioned and earned a chair in the SDMC All-County Honor Band," said LRHS band director Dr. John W. Wilkerson. "The band members prepared for weeks and truly embraced the process."
Of the 16 instrument groups represented in the All-County Band, LRHS students earned first-chair honors in nine groups.
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Those students include-
Kaitlyn Wolfe, junior on flute
Anneliese Schroeder, freshman on oboe
Abigail Wilkerson, sophomore on bassoon
Allison Rothhaar, junior on bass clarinet
Bella Harmon, senior on contrabass clarinet
Norah Hoyt, junior on tenor saxophone
Maria Caporaso, senior on baritone saxophone
Sydney Cross, senior on trumpet
Nicolas Villegas, freshman on percussion
The achievement adds to the band’s history of success. The LRHS marching band has earned superior ratings for 25 consecutive years at the Florida Bandmasters Association’s Marching Band Music Performance Assessment (MPA), demonstrating the program’s continued commitment.
Wilkerson emphasizes that one of the program’s greatest strengths this year has been the students’ willingness to challenge themselves and improve their performances.
The band’s upcoming performances will provide additional opportunities for students to showcase their preparation and musical growth. The group is scheduled to perform at Senior Night, the Braden River Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit (FFCC) Regional on Nov. 7, and the FFCC State Championships on Nov. 15.
Photo - LRHS band