Competitions give our Anderson Trojan Band and Guard a chance to shine. We compete in four or five area competitions a year, as well as the Austin ISD Marching Band Jamboree, which is an exhibition among all the AISD high schools, and the UIL competition series, which includes the opportunity to advance to state finals.
Anderson Band and Guard have a strong tradition of competitive performance, and students have the opportunity to participate in marching competitions throughout the region. Some events, like Cap City, are familiar annual experiences for the AISD community. Others, such as US Bands, bring together groups from across central Texas, while major competitions like Bands of America feature more than 40 bands that can travel from hundreds of miles away. Students also compete in UIL events every year..
Most competitions follow a prelims/finals format. All bands perform once in the morning or afternoon, and a panel of judges selects the top 10 to 12 groups to advance to the evening finals, where final rankings are determined. Competitions typically last all day, and your fair share contribution covers all meals provided on competition days.
The directors will communicate uniform expectations for each part of competition day. Because students often change on the bus, we recommend they wear compression underwear or bike shorts along with a tank top or sports bra under their uniform, rather than regular underwear.
In addition to the marching uniform, students should plan to bring and wear the following:
- Black chino-style shorts that stop at the knee
- Black low-cut or ankle socks for the summer band uniform*
- Long black crew socks for the full marching uniform*
- Compression underwear or bike shorts and a tank top for wearing under the marching uniform
- Hair spray/gel, bobby pins, and hair ties as needed — hair must be neat and tidy while in uniform
*Specific sock styles are required for different uniforms to maintain a consistent look.
Plan for your child to be committed to band for the entire day on competition days, often from early morning until late at night. Event schedules and required call times will be shared in advance by the directors and through the Band App.
- The cost of participating in competitions is covered through your Fair Share contribution. Parents who volunteer as chaperones or join the Pit Crew also receive free admission.
- For spectators, competitions usually require paid admission. Ticket prices vary, and some events require separate or higher-priced tickets to attend the finals. Ticket details for each competition will be shared in the Band App ahead of time.
ABBA provides meals for students and volunteers on competition days. Depending on the length of the day, this may include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks — enough to keep everyone fueled through long hours. Families and friends attending as spectators will need to purchase food from the venue.
Shout outs are short, fun messages from family and friends that are announced as students and bands enter or exit the field. You’ll typically find a shout out booth near the stadium entrance.
They usually cost a few dollars, and most booths accept both cash and card. Anderson is well-known for having plenty of spirited shout outs for our students, directors, and volunteers — it’s a fun tradition that the kids love!
- Wear your Anderson gear and sit with the other Anderson parents if you can. Sitting together makes it easier for the students to see and hear our support from the stands. One of the early-arriving parents will usually post our seating location in the Band App, but that’s not guaranteed — so keep an eye out for familiar faces.
- We often chant and cheer as the students take the field, so be ready to channel your inner cheerleader. The kids notice, and it really does make a difference.
- An estimated arrival time will be shared via the Band App once the buses are on their way back to Anderson.
- Drop-off and pick-up take place at the band hall off Cima Serena, and traffic flows one way only.
- Whenever possible, please park in a designated parking spot.
- If you are waiting in the pick-up line in front of the band hall, be sure to leave space in the left lane for cars to pass.
- For safety reasons, do not drop off or pick up students from the left lane in front of the band hall.
- All venues require clear, see-through bags for entry.
- Some venues allow noisemakers like bells and sticks, while others do not — be sure to check the venue’s rules before bringing them.
- Parking can be tricky and may include a parking fee, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to ensure you don’t miss your student’s performance.
- Finally, look for opportunities to volunteer. It takes about 50 parent volunteers at each event to support our students, and we need everyone to be part of the fun!
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