By Brad Mariska

AHS band director

The students in the Austin Public Schools Band Program have been working extremely hard over the past two years, and taking part in a wider variety of school and community events. Perhaps you have seen or heard the band at high school sporting events, organizational dinners, elementary school visits, or even on the radio. In addition to our formal school concerts, we’ve started a summer lesson program, organized new events such as the annual Paramount Jazz concert, supported fundraisers for the American Cancer Society and the Red Cross, and reinstated marching band.

For example, 130 band students marched to honor veterans during the Memorial Day parade. These performances are integral to our role as ambassadors of Austin Public Schools and an important community service for our students.

As someone who was completely new to the Austin area less than two years ago, I have been humbled by the warm reception shown by the Austin community. Whether it was a compliment on the Pep Band’s performance following a state tournament basketball game or attending the revived Band Blast, your support does not go unnoticed.

In addition to more performances, the number of students participating in band is growing quickly. This is a great problem to have because I truly believe that music is an integral part of every student’s education. Two years ago, 115 AHS students were playing in band; this fall, that number will exceed 170. We are also recruiting more beginners. The band room at I.J. Holton Intermediate School is full of budding musicians throughout the school day. You should hear Mr. Davis’ sixth grade jazz band. They’re amazing.

The rapid growth of the program has required additional resources, and I want to thank the school administration as well as several community organizations and individuals. In fact, in the past year, the high school band has acquired 10 much-needed new instruments that were entirely paid for by donations and grants.

Many residents have also dug through basements and closets to donate old band instruments no longer being used. Your support ensures that every student has access to music. These are investments in students and music education that will last for generations.

Playing a musical instrument is one of the most basic and joyful forms of human expression and I cannot thank Austin enough for your support of music education. It is a truly valuable part of public education and I’m proud to be able to share it with my students each and every day.

We look forward to seeing you at our next performance.