Texas Tech University Bands

We are housed in the School of Music within the College of Visual and Performing Arts and boast over 600 students participating in any number of concert or athletic bands during the year. I invite you to take your time, browse, and get to know us while considering the possibilities of becoming a part of the rich heritage of excellence in the Texas Tech Band family. We are very proud of our program

, alumni, and outstanding students and look forward to meeting you as a future Red Raider. Sincerely,
Dr. Sarah McKoin
Director of Bands

Symphonic Wind Ensemble is the premiere wind-performing ensemble at Texas Tech performing a balanced mix of traditional repertoire, chamber music, and enjoys interacting with leading contemporary composers of our time. Emphasis is placed on the highest artistic standards, professionalism in performance excellence while offering pedagogy for the advanced musician. Membership is determined by an annual audition and is open to everyone. Symphonic Wind Ensemble has twice performed for the Texas Music Educators Association Conference, as well as performing for the College Band Director’s National Association. In addition to the world premiere recordings of Chen Yi’s music, the ensemble has recorded Naron Prancharoen’s Chaktra released as part of his CD entitled Phenomenon. Symphonic Band is a 65-member ensemble dedicated to excellent performance and diverse repertoire encompassing a wide variety of styles and composers. Membership is determined by audition and is open to everyone. Concert Band is a 75-member ensemble focusing on fundamental pedagogy and diverse programming ranging from grades 3-5. University Band is a 90+ ensemble that meets in the spring each year and performs two concerts of diverse repertoire including traditional music, transcriptions, as well as newer compositions. This ensemble is open to everyone and is non-auditioned. Members are largely non-majors looking to continue their musical involvement past high school while enjoying a less performance oriented pace to the course or music majors further developing secondary instrumental technique. The wide variety of music performed provides a rich service to the diverse campus community at Texas Tech University. The award winning Goin' Band From Raiderland is the 450-member marching band of Texas Tech University. Band membership is open to all students regardless of major and a minimum amount of rehearsal time is used in preparing four different shows per season. A mixture of "traditional" and "corps" style techniques are used in these performances. The Goin' Band was the recipient of the 1999 Sudler Trophy given for consistent excellence in collegiate marching bands. Court Jesters Basketball Band is the all-volunteer pep band of Texas Tech University performing at all home games for the Red Raiders and the Lady Raiders. This energetic ensemble serves as ambassadors of spirit and tradition for the university throughout North America.