For nearly a century, the bands at Texas State University have represented the university at many national and international conventions, conferences and major events in the United States. The Department of Bands is home to five ensembles, each with a specific purpose and function within the university and School of Music. Regardless of whether or not a student chooses to major in music, there is a home for them in one or more of our groups.

The Texas State University School of Music invites students to experience the thrill of artistic and entertainment excellence through membership in the Texas State Bands.

The Wind Symphony is the finest wind band at the university. Admittance is by audition only.

The Symphonic Winds is a major wind band that performs in both the fall and spring semesters. Admittance is by audition only.

The Bobcat Marching Band has a rich history of performance excellence that spans over 90 years and offers an exciting opportunity for instrumentalists, colorguard members and twirlers to continue performing in an outstanding musical organization. The band has earned the moniker “Pride of the Hill Country” due to its great spirit and high performance standards.

The Concert Band meets in the spring semester and offers an opportunity for students to continue playing without the pressure of auditions and a rigorous performance schedule.

Although the Bobcat Basketball Band begins in the fall semester, students register for credit in the spring. The band performs for all home basketball games that do not fall over a university break.

The Texas State Wind Symphony, conducted by Dr. Caroline Beatty, is comprised of the most outstanding wind and percussion majors at the university as selected by audition. The ensemble is dedicated to the performance of the finest wind band repertoire whether contemporary or traditional. The ensemble frequently travels and has performed for such prestigious music associations as the Texas Music Educators Association (2015, 2011, 2007, 1994, 1988, 1983, and 1978), the College Band Directors National Association (2014, 2011, 2008 & 1990), the College Music Society (2006), and the Music Educators National Conference (1992).

In recent years, the ensemble has collaborated with composers John Mackey, Margaret Brouwer, Ryan Chase, David Maslanka, Steven Bryant, Jonathan Newman, Scott McAllister, Donald Grantham, among others.

With a history spanning nearly a century, the Bobcat Marching Band is one of the largest spirit organizations on campus! Under the direction of Dr. Kyle Glaser, this energetic ensemble offers an exciting opportunity for instrumentalists, color guard members and twirlers of all university majors to enhance their college experiences by performing in an outstanding musical and spirit organization.

Over the years, the Bobcat Marching Band has established a national reputation for performance excellence. The BMB has performed at two Presidential inaugural parades, numerous NFL football games, the U.S. Formula 1 Grand Prix, the San Antonio Fiesta Flambeau Parade, the award-winning PBS television film The Biscuit Brothers, has been featured on the 1995 video “Best College Bands”, and is the first American marching band to perform at a professional soccer game in Mexico. In 2007, 2011 and 2013, the Bobcat Marching Band was selected to have performances presented at the National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association.

The Bobcat Marching Band prides itself on being an integral part of the excitement of the college gameday experience! Whether before, during or after the game, no band strives to support its team, to entertain its fans or to play as hard as “The Pride of the Hill Country,” the Texas State Bobcat Marching Band!