Our Program
Liberty High School Band program is fortunate to have the support and encouragement of its administration and community. Boasting over 120 members throughout its various ensembles, we strive for greatness in everything we attempt to achieve. For us, music education is more than just music. While participating in our program students will be offered unparalleled opportunities and memories to last a lifetime.
Ensembles
Students have the choice of participating in various ensembles while part of the LHS student body. The “crown jewel” of our program is The Liberty Marching Eagles, which operates outside of school hours. For classes, students may either choose from one of our two concert groups. Symphonic Band may be taken by any student and does not require an audition, while Wind Ensemble is by audition or director approval only. Other programs include our highly active and performance based Jazz Ensemble, where students learn various styles from funk to swing. Lastly, our mega-popular Pep Band performs at all Varsity Basketball games while pumping out pop tunes to fire up the crowd!
Meet the Team
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Patrick Neidich
Director of Bands
Pat graduated from Duquesne University with his BS in Music Education in 1999. He went on to receive a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from the Univ. of Michigan and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Regent Univ. This year marks 20 years of service to the LHS community for Mr. Neidich. He currently resides in Culpeper, VA with his wife Tara and 3 children.
Patrice Blair
Color Guard Instructor
Patrice is a former National 2 Baton Champ and Miss Majorette of PA, and has twirled everything from fire and knives to flags and rifles. Patrice gravitated towards dance in college. After studying dance at the University of Mississippi, Patrice moved to NOVA where she taught dance, and began working for Osbourn HS, choreographing for all arts based programs – from the Marching Band to the Dance Team. In 2001, she opened her own dance studio & competition dance program. After more than 20 years of being a dance educator in the Manassas area, Mrs. Blair is proud to be a member of the LHS Marching Eagle Staff, returning to her roots.
Katie Smyth
Assistant Director
Katie graduated in 2017 from Virginia Tech with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education. She served one year as Elementary Music Teacher at Grace Miller Elementary, and is now the Director of Bands at Cedar Middle School. She currently resides in Warrenton, VA with her husband Daniel.
Courtney Jacobs
Visual Coordinator
Courtney grew up in Fauquier county and graduated from Liberty High School where she was a member of the marching band. She has always had an interest for music. Courtney is now attending George Mason University pursuing a degree in Music Education. She is also a member of the Green Machine pep band at her University.
Erik Jacobs
Percussion Coordinator
Erik has been involved with percussion practically his whole life. He marched throughout high school and while attending Christopher Newport University. A native of the county, after returning to Fauquier in 2011 he worked as a drumline instructor at multiple schools, most recently with the Broad Run HS indoor program.