The Liberty Mighty Panther Band didn’t just march to the beat during the 2024–25 school year—they set the tempo. From concert and jazz stages to UIL solo and ensemble competitions, this group of talented young musicians dominated the season, racking up honors at every level. With numerous students advancing through district, area, region, and state contests, the band demonstrated what can be achieved through dedication, discipline, determination, drive—and a whole lot of heart.
Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of the band’s achievements:
In September, three students were selected for the Region Jazz Band, with all three advancing to Area Jazz auditions.
October brought a 1st Division Superior Rating in Marching Band, which earned the group a spot in the Area Marching Contest.
November provided a much-needed Thanksgiving break.
In December, one student was selected for the Middle School Region Concert Band and another named as an alternate. Six students earned spots in the High School Region Concert Bands, with two more named as alternates. Three students advanced to Area Concert auditions.
In February 2025, fired up after the holiday break, students achieved the following at UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest:
Seven students earned 2nd Division (Excellent) ratings on solos.
Ten students earned 1st Division (Superior) ratings on solos.
Five students advanced to the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC) for solo performances.
Fourteen students earned 2nd Division ratings, and 16 earned 1st Division ratings in ensembles. All 16 advanced to TSSEC.
Excellence continued into March, with no turning back. Five Color Guard students earned trophies for solo performances at the MA Dance Regional, along with a trophy for ensemble performance. Nine students were selected for membership in the 4th Annual Lamar Honors Wind Symphony. The Jazz Ensemble earned a Superior Rating at the Temple Jazz Festival, where 15 students also received Outstanding Musician Awards. The Middle School Band earned a 2nd Division (Excellent) rating in concert performance and a 1st Division (Superior) rating in sight reading.
The achievements kept coming in April. The Liberty High School Band earned 1st Division ratings in both concert and sight reading, securing the school’s third Sweepstakes A Trophy in history and its seventh overall. Thirteen middle school students earned 2nd Division ratings on solos and ensembles, and 44 students earned 1st Division ratings.
In May, the accolades continued to pour in.
Earning 2nd Division (Excellent) ratings:
– Clarinet Quintet: Jordan Brown, Dayami Cruz Salinas, Diego Reyes, Justin Reyes, and Rylee Shelton
– Trumpet Quartet: Alex Aguilar, Dylan Dagle, Taylyn Espino, and Julian Rojas
– Trombone Trio: William Gilley, Kepherah Harrison, and Tori Johnson
Rounding out the 2024–25 season with a 1st Division (Superior) rating and Ensemble Bronze Medal:
– Percussion Quartet: Matias Dominguez, Cristian Franco, Ellie Hale, and Jordan Swonke
Earning Solo Gold Medals for 1st Division ratings:
– Flute Solo: Luis Montano
– Baritone Saxophone Solo: John Simon
– Trumpet Solo: Taylyn Espino
Montano and Espino—one of just 12 and 13 students in their respective divisions statewide—were named state champions across all classifications (1A–6A). They are the first two instrumental performers in Liberty High School history to receive this honor.
As the final note rang out on the school year, one thing became clear: the Mighty Panther Band doesn’t just make music—they make history.
Sean Smith serves as Liberty High School Band Director. Parker Jackson is the Liberty Middle School Band Instructor. To support these student musicians, consider becoming an active member of the Liberty Band Booster Club.
Article contributed by Tonya Hebert Donatto, LHS ‘85