(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – LRHS band students’ hard work paid off at the State Solo and Ensemble competition March 23.

LRHS band students traveled to Buccholz High School in Gainesville, FL to compete with their solos and ensembles at this year’s final state competition. All students who received a Superior ranking on their solos or ensembles at the District Solo and Ensemble competition were invited.

At the state competition, performers receive a ranking of either Poor, Fair, Good, Excellent, or Superior.

Out of the Mustangs who performed five soloists, a Jazz Combo, Jazz Band 1, and a clarinet duet went home with Superior ratings. No performance from LRHS received less than a Good at the state competition.

“It is much harder to receive a Superior at States than it is at Districts,” said band director Ron Lambert. “A Superior at Districts is comparable to a Good at States, so there was a lot of preparation that went into our States performances.”

The band program is now preparing for the next year, recruiting new members for the 2015 marching band. The unveiling of the Marching Mustangs’ 2015 show theme is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. April 7 in the band room.

“Everything we are doing now is with the future in mind. Coming back from Spring Break, we are in full go mode. Exciting things lie ahead,” added Lambert.