Hello Future Band Member!
So you want to be in band? Great idea! You’ll learn an instrument, be part of team, and spend time with your best friends in band. Most students start band in sixth grade, and even if you’re already in sixth grade or later, you can still jump in and start to learn. Whatever your age, there is a place for you in the band hall!
Starting in Middle School
You can join band by picking it as an elective choice when you choose classes for middle school. After that, you go to an “instrument selection day” at your middle school. You’ll meet the band directors and they will show you instruments and help you try to make a sound on them. After trying a few, you’ll probably have a few favorite choices. The band directors will help you choose based on your interests and what you are best suited to be successful playing.
If you’re on track to go to Austin High, you’ll probably be a band member at Small or O. Henry, our two feeder schools. These bands go to contests, have pep bands for football games, and have overnight band trips around Texas for seventh and eight graders. If you go to a different school than Small or O. Henry, that’s cool too!
Continuing band at Austin High
High school brings bigger ensembles, bigger sound, and incredible opportunities. In late summer, the Maroon Band kicks off with Summer Band Camp, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of marching and begin mastering our competition show. The marching band brings together brass, woodwinds, a drumline, front ensemble (pit), and the color guard. Most color guard members start as freshmen—so if you’re interested, reach out to the directors to get involved!
We operate as a tight-knit team, spending time together perfecting our music and building lasting friendships. By the time the first day of school arrives, you'll already have a campus full of familiar faces.
Fall semester is packed with energy as we cheer on the Maroons at football games and showcase our work at marching contests. Once marching season wraps up, we transition into concert season, where you can perform in specialized concert bands, jazz bands, small ensembles, or winter guard. You can also challenge yourself individually by competing in Region and State auditions or solo contests.
Traveling and Having Fun
Both our band and our school love to explore! Austin High is organized into four academies. While every academy covers core academics, each offers a unique focus: Global Studies, Classics, Science and Innovation, or High Tech. Because the Maroon Band draws students from across all four academies, you’ll get to know classmates in your specific program while building friendships across the entire campus.
Traveling is a huge part of the Austin High experience. Academies offer opportunities to travel state-wide, nationally, and internationally. The band program also takes a major trip every few years, along with smaller trips in between. Our recent travels range from performing in the London New Year’s Day Parade in England to enjoying a beach weekend in Corpus Christi!
High school brings increased autonomy, and our band program relies heavily on student leaders to manage logistics and inspire their peers. Leadership opportunities begin as early as sophomore year. Plus, students who commit to all four years of band earn a letter jacket.
Moving on to college and beyond
Band Director Emeritus Brian Frock with former Austin High students, now in Longhorn Band, at UT’s annual Alumni Band game.
Students in the Austin High Band continue to engage with music in a variety of ways after graduation. Some play in college ensembles, while others major in music to pursue careers as performers or educators. Alumni have gone on to earn degrees in virtually every field imaginable across colleges nationwide. Learning the language of music and being part of the Maroon Band Family fosters a lifelong connection to the art. Wherever life takes you, you’ll always be able to pick up your instrument, play a tune, and cherish the memories and friendships made in the Austin High Band.
Getting Started at Austin High
Are you ready to explore our offerings? Check out specifics about the Maroon Band course offerings.