AHS offers multiple concert bands, grouped by playing ability. Our students meet during the school day in these bands as part of their class schedule. All three bands are “double blocked”, meaning that they meet during two of the eight Austin High “blocks” that make up a student’s schedule.
Auditions for concert bands take place in March/April of each year. During the fall, while we are primarily focused on preparations for marching band, we also meet in our concert band classes for rehearsal during the school day.
Our bands compete in UIL Concert and Sight Reading contests each spring and regularly receive top ratings at those competitions. We also host several non-competitive performances during the year, an annual holiday and winter concert, pre-UIL performances, and another concert at the end of the year.
Honor Band
Our top ensemble is conducted by Mr. Patenaude. This is the top concert band at Austin High School. It’s not impossible, but usually only 1-2 very advanced incoming students make this ensemble their first year. Students who have made first chair in the top Region Band in 8th grade should consider enrolling in this course. This class is double-blocked and currently meets both 1st and 5th periods.
*Weekly Private Lessons Recommended.
Wind Ensemble
Our second group is conducted by Ms. Vest. Only a handful of incoming Freshman will make it into Wind Ensemble their first year. Students who have made the Region Band in 8th grade and/or currently sit in the top 2-3 chairs in their top middle school band should consider enrolling in Wind Ensemble. This class is double-blocked and currently meets both 2nd and 6th periods.
*Weekly Private Lessons Recommended.
Symphonic Band
Our third group is co-directed by Mr. Patenaude and Ms. Vest. Most 8th graders currently performing in the bottom half of the top band or the top half of the second band in middle school should enroll in Symphonic Band. This class is double-blocked and currently meets 3rd and 7th periods.
*All students are expected to double-block band classes in their schedule. Exceptions include: Students enrolled in a Jazz Class as their second block, singleton AP class conflicts, and double-blocked athletic conflicts.
