Overview and History
For over a century, the bands at Texas State University have provided engaging performances and cultural entertainment on campus and across the nation at many national and international conventions, conferences and athletic events. 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, the Texas State University School of Music invites students to experience the thrill of artistic and entertainment excellence through membership in the TXST Bands.
The Wind Symphony is the flagship ensemble of the TXST Bands and is comprised of the most outstanding wind and percussion musicians at the university. Open to all majors by audition, the ensemble meets fall and spring semesters.
The Symphonic Winds is a major wind band that performs in both the fall and spring semesters. Membership is open to all majors by audition.
The Concert Band allows non-music majors to register without audition. Meeting in both the fall and spring semester, it provides the opportunity for students to continue playing without the pressure of auditions.
The Bobcat Marching Band offers an exciting opportunity for instrumentalists, color guard members and twirlers to continue performing in an outstanding musical organization. The 340-member “Pride of the Hill Country” is dedicated to excellence in college football entertainment and university spirit.
The Bobcat Basketball Band is a credit bearing class during the spring semester. The band leads the spirit for all home basketball games and some members travel for post season tournaments.
History of the Texas State Bands
Engaging audiences for over 100 years, the origin of the TXST Band program reaches back to the formation of The Southwest Normal School Band in 1919. It began with support from the Board of Regents, who provided eleven instruments at the expense of the state. D. D. Snow, a student, was the band's first director. He led a group of 22 student musicians who regarded their participation in the band as a “pleasant study break.” The group first performed at the Southwest Texas Normal School vs. San Marcos Academy football game on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1919 at the original Evans Field, now the entrance to the University Events Center.
In 1923, the college was renamed Southwest Texas State Teacher's College, and shortly thereafter, in 1928, the band members received their first uniforms. The uniforms were maroon and gold, and included caps and capes. The college name evolved with its growing prominence and in 1969 the moniker became Southwest Texas State University. As the academic offerings and national scope continued to expand, the university eventually became Texas State University and has grown to be the fourth largest university in the state.
The first faculty director of the Texas State Bands was Dr. Robert Augustus Tampke. When Dr. Tampke arrived at Texas State in 1923, he replaced Edwin L. Barrow, the second student director of the band. President C. E. Evans hired Dr. Tampke to teach in the sub-college and direct the college band. A graduate of North Texas State Normal College, he had taken most of his course work in English and Social Studies. His primary qualifications for the appointment were his love of music, his ability to play a few of the band instruments, and band membership at North Texas. Including Dr. Tampke, the TXST Band program has been led by 11 Director of Bands and 7 Associate/Assistant Directors. The current faculty includes Dr. Caroline Beatty – Director of Bands, Dr. Kyle Glaser – Associate Director of Bands, and Mr. Matthew Holzner – Assistant Director of Bands.
The bands treasure the opportunity to lead the spirit of TXST with great responsibility in the school songs. The Texas State Alma Mater was adapted in the early 1900's by Jessie Sayers who crafted lyrics to the tune of J. Albert Jeffery's Presbyterian hymn entitled “Ancient of Days,” written in 1896. Sayers was one of the first faculty members at Texas State in 1903 and the sister of a Governor of Texas. There was no official fight song until 1961, when Paul Yoder was commissioned to compose Go Bobcats.
Over the years, the TXST Bands have established a national reputation for excellence. The flagship ensemble of the TXST Bands - the Wind Symphony – has been selected to perform at the National Conference of CBDNA in 2011, 2019, and 2025, the Southwestern Division Conferences of CBDNA in 2008, 2014, and 2018, as well as numerous times for the Texas Music Educators Convention. Similarly, the Bobcat Marching Band has appeared in two Presidential Inaugurations as well as appearances in a Hollywood film, the 1995 video “Best of College Bands,” and as a feature on the award-winning PBS show The Biscuit Brothers. The BMB has performed at several NFL games and is the first American marching band to perform at a professional soccer game in Mexico. In 2007, 2011, 2013, and 2019, the excellence of the BMB was nationally recognized through selection for video feature at the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) National Conference. The Bobcat Athletic Bands expanded to add the Bobcat Basketball Band and has appeared at tournaments in Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Pensacola.
Through membership in the TXST Bands, students find a vibrant place to engage in the university on a greater level while gaining life-long friends and enduring memories along the way.
