The University of Texas Longhorn Band

The University of Texas Longhorn Band is a renowned marching band that represents the University of Texas at Austin and performs at various events, including Texas Longhorns football games at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The band is composed of students from the University of Texas at Austin and is directed by Butler School of Music faculty members, such as Robert Carnochan and Scott Hanna. The band has a long history of performing with famous musicians, including Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel, and Lyle Lovett, and has appeared at events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Bowl.

● History

The band was founded in 1900 by William J. Mayes, a University of Texas at Austin professor, and has since become an integral part of the university's Texas Longhorns athletic programs, performing at games and events with other Big 12 Conference bands, such as the University of Oklahoma Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band and the Texas A&M University Fightin' Texas Aggie Band. The band has undergone several changes in its history, including the introduction of new uniforms designed by Michael Rauber and Bill Thompson, and has performed with notable conductors, including Vincent Persichetti and William Schuman. The band has also collaborated with other ensembles, such as the University of Texas at Austin Symphonic Band and the Austin Symphony Orchestra, and has performed at venues like the Bass Concert Hall and the Frank Erwin Center.

● Organization

The band is organized into several sections, including the marching band, concert band, and jazz band, and is led by a team of directors, including Robert Carnochan and Scott Hanna, who have worked with other notable bands, such as the United States Marine Band and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. The band is also supported by a staff of instructors, including Richard Floyd and Jerry F. Junkin, who have taught at institutions like the University of North Texas and the Eastman School of Music. The band's members are selected through a rigorous audition process, which includes performances with other University of Texas at Austin ensembles, such as the University of Texas at Austin Wind Ensemble and the University of Texas at Austin Orchestra.

● Performances

The band performs at a variety of events, including Texas Longhorns football games, University of Texas at Austin commencement ceremonies, and concerts at venues like the Bass Concert Hall and the Frank Erwin Center. The band has also performed with famous musicians, such as Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel, and Lyle Lovett, and has appeared at events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Bowl. The band has collaborated with other ensembles, such as the University of Texas at Austin Symphonic Band and the Austin Symphony Orchestra, and has performed at festivals like the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the South by Southwest conference.

● Traditions

The band has several traditions, including the performance of "The Eyes of Texas", the University of Texas at Austin fight song, and the "Hook 'em Horns" hand signal, which is a symbol of school spirit. The band also participates in the Texas Longhorns Bevo tradition, which involves the appearance of the university's live Texas Longhorns mascot at games and events. The band has also developed a rivalry with other Big 12 Conference bands, such as the University of Oklahoma Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band and the Texas A&M University Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, and competes with them at events like the Big 12 Conference Marching Band Competition.

● Discography

The band has released several recordings, including albums with Mark Records and Klavier Records, which feature performances with notable conductors, such as Vincent Persichetti and William Schuman. The band has also collaborated with other ensembles, such as the University of Texas at Austin Symphonic Band and the Austin Symphony Orchestra, on recordings like "The Texas Longhorn Band" and "Hook 'em Horns". The band's recordings have been recognized with awards, such as the National Bandmasters Association Citation of Excellence, and have been featured on radio programs, such as National Public Radio's "Performance Today". The band's music is also available on streaming platforms, such as Apple Music and Spotify, and can be purchased through online retailers, such as Amazon and iTunes.

Category:University of Texas at Austin