The Longhorn Band celebrates Spring with their annual Band-O-Rama concert Saturday, April 22 at 7PM at the Frank Erwin Center. The Spring concert is a tradition for the Longhorn Band and features the Longhorn Concert Bands, the Jazz Ensemble, as well as the UT Drum line, color guard and the legendary “Show band of the Southwest,” the Longhorn Marching Band. Music fans can catch the concert for FREE by picking up their tickets at the Frank Erwin Center Box Office or UT Performing Arts Center Box Office starting on Monday, April 3.

The concert and jazz bands will perform standard concert works and the Longhorn Band will perform traditional favorites, as well as preview two selections from next fall’s halftime shows. Conductors include: Robert M. Carnochan, Director of the Longhorn Band; Scott S. Hanna, Associate Director of the Longhorn Band; John M. Watkins, Jr., Assistant Director of the Longhorn Band; and guest conductors Peter Acosta, Tim Fawkes, David Kehler, Joel Moody, Albert Nguyen, Justin Stolarik, Damon Talley and John VanderGheynst.

The Longhorn Band, founded in 1900 by distinguished professor of chemistry, Dr. E.P. Schoch, was originally comprised of sixteen students. Spending only $150 at Jackson’s Pawn Shop for instruments, he began what is today known as “The Show band of the Southwest.” Though the students were from various academic disciplines, they shared one common goal: to promote pride and spirit throughout The University by way of musical excellence and leadership.

The Longhorn Band has had many distinguished appearances in its 106 years of existence. Some of these include the Inaugural Parades of Presidents John F. Kennedy and President George W. Bush, an appearance at the Chicago World’s Fair, and appearances in Washington, D.C. and Madison Square Garden in New York City. Recently the Longhorn Band performed at the 2005 National Championship football game at the Rose Bowl, as well in the Tournament of Roses Parade. On campus, Longhorn Band Members serve as ambassadors of The University at president’s parties, commencement ceremonies, pep rallies, parades, and UT athletic events.