Local high school earns music honors

Gianna Platt- Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- Last week, the Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) band, orchestra, and choir competed in the Orlando Fest Music Competition.

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Students from all LRHS music programs were combined into one performing ensemble to perform in this competition.

The students scored an impressive 93.033 from the judges, out of a possible 100 points. LRHS was the only ensemble (band, choir, and orchestra) that earned straight superior ratings from all judges.

This earned them first place Class AAA Band, and the Orlando Fest overall grand champion title.

Not only did they win first place, but they did so with a music presentation that they put together in only two rehearsals.

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Layla Le, sophomore band member, stated, “The combination of having our hard work pay off by winning Grand Champion and getting to spend time in the park really made the whole trip a memorable experience.”

Meanwhile, the LRHS music department has received the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMN) Foundation Nation’s Best Communities for Music Education School Award.

The NAMM Foundation award recognizes individual schools for their support and commitment to music education. The program celebrates outstanding efforts made by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education.

Designations are made to schools and districts that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.

This year, only four schools in the state of Florida were awarded this honor, and this is the second year in a row that LRHS is one of them.

LRHS Band Director Dr. John Wilkerson said, “I am very proud of our department for demonstrating a high quality of music education to students at Lakewood Ranch and in the Lakewood Ranch community.”