Courtesy Photo
The Mabank Panther band performs at Regional competition in Mesquite.

MABANK–The 85-member Mabank High School band just finished their 2022 competition season with a performance at the UIL Area B Marching Contest. 
The Panther Band moved up in placing from a year ago and left their very best performance of the year on the competition field. 
Drum Majors Maya Vega, Naomi Rozanek and Braden Lennard led the students through the following selections in the show entitled Sunny Days: ‘You Are My Sunshine,’ ‘Here Comes the Sun,’ ‘Noisy Wheels of Joy,’ Theme from ‘Out of Africa,’ Post Malone’s ‘Sunflower,’ and ‘Sunny Days’ Reprise.
New Director of Bands Joel Weisberg says, “I am so very proud of our students this Fall. They allowed us to push them hard each and every day and they made it fun along the way. The results of their hard work are very evident in this year’s production,” Weisberg said of his students’ efforts. “Our students earned straight division I ratings (Superior) at every contest, and they put a lot of pride in everything they do. In addition, we have been very lucky to have outstanding support from our administration, parents and local businesses. This season, meals were provided by Dairy Queen (Mabank), Cochran’s Cafe and the First United Methodist Church in Mabank.”
From the end of July to November, the Panther Band has been very busy. Besides the Friday night games and half-time performances, they have performed with the talented seventh and eighth grade students at Jr. High night. 
They supported breast cancer awareness with pink T-shirts and ribbons worn at pink-out night, performed at the Mesquite Marching Festival, UIL Region 3 Marching Contest and at the UIL Area B Marching Contest. 
Last Sunday, 26 of the Mabank students went into Dallas to see the Dallas Symphony perform Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. 
Sophomore saxophone player Emily Santora said, “We always stay positive about our overall attitude when practicing and performing.” 
“The marching season was fun and enjoyable - I especially liked going to Region and Area competition!”, said freshman Josiah Zitko. Senior Percussion Captain Trey Orsak said, “Performing with my friends and making long-lasting memories was a highlight of this year!”
The Mabank Panther band’s upcoming schedule of events begins with the Gun Barrel City Christmas parade Dec. 3. Then they will host a high school/junior high holiday concert at 6 p.m., Dec. 6 in the high school auditorium, followed by the sixth grade beginning band concert at 6 p.m., Dec. 13 in the high school auditorium.