The Liberty Mighty Panther Band program made history this spring, earning top honors across multiple performances and competitions.
The season began Feb. 21 when the color guard competed in its first full winter guard contest at the MA Dance Texas State Championship at Klein Oak High School. The group, made up of 12 students in grades 8 through 12, performed a seven-minute show set to music from the musical Wicked and earned a 1st Division – Superior rating.
Seven members also performed guard solos, with five bringing home trophies in their classifications: Chase McDonald, Peyton Smith, Alexis Churton, Victoria Welch, and Endora Maynard.
The success continued with a major milestone for Liberty Middle School. On March 25, the Liberty Middle School Mighty Panther Band competed at the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation and, for the first time since 1992, earned a 1st Division – Superior rating in concert performance.
The band also earned a 1st Division – Superior rating in sight-reading, securing the program’s first-ever Sweepstakes award. The achievement marks a historic moment for the students and their director, Brandi Facemire.
Three days later, the LHS Black Cat Big Band added to the program’s success at the 34th annual Temple College Jazz Festival in Temple. The group earned its first Sweepstakes award, receiving a 1st Division – Superior rating from all three judges.
In addition, 14 of the 20 band members earned Outstanding Musician awards for their improv solos, a record for the group. Those students were Jordan Carpenter, Dayami Cruz Salinas, Dylan Dagle, Taylyn Espino, Kepherah Harrison, Bekah Johnson, Duani Lopez, Leslie Lule, Kassidie Marks, Endora Maynard, Colt Mills, Luis Montano, Julian Rojas, and Noah Stephenson.
The LHS Mighty Panther Band capped off the season April 2 at the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation, earning unanimous 1st Division – Superior ratings from all six judges. Under the direction of Sean Smith, the band received its second consecutive Sweepstakes award and its third since 2021.
This marks only the second time in program history that the high school band has earned consecutive sweepstakes, with the last occurring from 2012 to 2014.
Overall, every performing group in the Mighty Panther Band program earned the highest possible ratings this season, setting a new standard for the program.
The bands will celebrate their accomplishments during the Spring Concert and Awards Ceremony on May 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Liberty High School gymnasium. The public is invited to attend.
Very good news. Lots of good initiative. Great leadership. Awesome team spirit.
Awesome!! Congratulations to all!