Everything you need to know for a successful season

Prepare. Plan. Participate… Like a Trojan.

Presenting our 2026 show …

“Echoes in Eternity”

2026 Season Schedule

2026 Student Handbook

The Anderson Band and Guard has a history of being a competitive band. Our 2025 marching show took us to State! So we are incredibly excited for our 2026 marching show called, “Echoes in Eternity.”

This show plays off the Anderson High School Trojan mascot, focusing on the themes of responsibly, strength, community, and humanity. Students will learn the music, march, and perform the entire show at Summer Band Camp and you’ll get to see it grow and improve through the course of the marching season. Subscribe to our calendar make a note of every game and competition so you can watch this stunning show come together.

Watch the Echoes in Eternity Trailer

With musical selections from Gladiator, Prokofiev, Ticheli, and Richter.

Season Details

All the info you need for a happy, successful band experience.

Registration Day

Mark July 24th, 5-7pm on your calendar. Registration Day is the first time we all get together as a band and guard community to kick off the band season. We make sure all the forms are completed and ready to go so every student is able to march the first day of Summer Band Camp. We also introduce you to the directors, student leadership, and our parent leaders. You’ll learn what to expect and how to be part of the fun. If you missed out of purchasing t-shirts, there will be some on sale during the event, as well as legacy merch that we’ll be selling for cheap.

This is an important event for all of us so please make every effort to be there.

Click on the tabs below to learn more.

You are certainly free to fill out these forms at Registration day but the internet at the school is sketchy if you’re not an employee or student. So please take a few minutes to fill these out in advance.

DOWNLOAD THE STUDENT HANDBOOK (Mandatory)

UPLOAD YOUR PHYSICAL FORMS (Mandatory)

COMPLETE THIS FORM, WHICH INCLUDES: (Mandatory)

AHS Band Directory – read and sign online
Marching Calendar Agreement form
2025-26 Medical Release/Private Transportation form
UIL 8 Hour Agreement

PAY FAIR SHARE (Mandatory) (coming soon)

PURCHASE GAME DAY MEALS (Voluntary) (coming soon)

Join us Friday, July 24, 2026

5 – 7pm Freshman and new families
5:30 – 7pm Everyone else

Anderson Cafeteria
Park in the band hall parking lot off Cima Serena and enter through the gates to the courtyard. You’ll see signs and friendly faces greeting and guiding you.

The safety and security of every Trojan Band and Guard member is our priority. Before the season starts, every student and parent is required to read the Student Handbook and sign off, in the Registration Day forms, their agreement. Your student will be held responsible for the content of the Student Handbook, so we’re linking it here for easy access throughout the season.

WHEN COMPLETED, UPLOAD YOUR PHYSICAL FORMS HERE

All band and guard students need a physical dated after April 15, 2026
Must be turned in before your student can march
Your student can not participate without a physical

Some nearby locations for getting a physical:

AFC North Austin Urgent Care (donates $5 to ABBA for every physical) – https://www.afcurgentcare.com/north-austin/patient-services/walk-in-urgent-care-north-austin/
CareNow – https://www.carenow.com/locations/austin/arboretum-gateway
Urgent Care Kids – https://urgentcarekids.com/sports-physical/
Minute Clinic inside CVS – https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/services/sports-physical

Links to AISD Sports Physical Forms

Fair Share is $550 this year. You can pay for Fair Share at Registration Day on July 24th. We are currently working on electronic payment options and will communicate when those options are available. Or make checks payable to Anderson Band Booster Association (ABBA).

Summer Band Camp

Summer Band Camp takes place the three weeks before school starts. It’s when freshman learn how to march and everyone learns the show. It starts with a day for leadership on July 23rd followed by a day for freshman on the 24th. Registration Day is that evening and then Summer Band Camp starts for everyone on Monday, July 27th. This is a bonding, as well as a learning, experience for our band members and attendance is required. Expect section leaders to schedule activities throughout the summer, including pool parties, practice sessions, movie nights, and more.

Click on the tabs below to learn more.

The summer band camp schedule is subject to change. Please subscribe to the Calendar to stay on top of any updates.

July 23	9am – 4pm	Leadership Camp	Leadership only
July 24	10am – 4pm	Freshman Camp	Freshman and leadership
July 24	5pm – 7pm	REGISTRATION DAY	Everyone + Families
July 27 – 31	8am – 4pm	Summer Band Camp	Everyone
Aug 3 – 5	8am – 4pm	Summer Band Camp	Everyone
Aug 6	5pm – 8:30pm	Summer Band Camp	Everyone
August 7	8am – 4pm	Summer Band Camp	Everyone
August 7	7pm – 9:30pm	Pool Party – Jester Pool	Everyone
August 7	10:30 – 12:30	Midnight Madness	Everyone + Families
August 10-14	5pm – 8:30pm	Summer Band Camp	Everyone
August 10	7:30pm – 8:30pm	ABBA Meeting	Parents
August 14	8:30 – 9pm	PARENT PREVIEW	Everyone + Families

Students are required to bring a personal water jug, eat properly, and be aware of their condition as
we are outside. A detailed handout is sent to each student in early July outlining specific dates and
times, what to bring, wear, eat, etc., but some general rules follow.

Hats, sunglasses, & sunscreen are required outside during summer. Save your skin!
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, cotton clothes. Do not wear dark clothes. c) Wear socks and athletic shoes. No sandals, no bare feet, and no high-tops or ill-fitting shoes.
Bring a good lunch, high in carbohydrates and fruit, low in fat.
You will be provided a water bottle, which is required for outdoor rehearsals. Do not let others use it. Keep it only for yourself. Go easy on caffeine and sodium, as they are dehydrating and will only cause more heat difficulties.

Be Active!

Take frequent walks and runs
Drink at least one gallon of water daily
Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night
Eat a healthy breakfast
Avoid dairy and other fatty foods

The Anderson Trojan Band/Guard abides by the AISD Temperature Guidelines. We monitor the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature(WBGT) before and during all rehearsals for student safety. All Band Directors are CPR/First Aid/AED-certified.

Uniforms

Our band uniforms are worn with pride in the Anderson Band and Guard. When we’re in uniform we are “on duty,” representing our respect for our community and our Trojan Pride. This year you will get to keep your marching shirt at the end of the season and we don’t expect to wear hats or makeup for the performance.

Click on the tabs below to learn more.

During band camp, band students are fitted for their marching uniform. Uniforms are kept in a designated blue uniform bag that should stay in the band hall uniform room unless being taken home to clean. These items are provided to each band student and paid for with your Fair Share contribution.

Bibbers (the pant part of the uniform)
Uniform shirt
Black marching shoes

Uniforms are intended to be form fitting and hair must be tidy while in uniform.

The casual uniform is worn during hot football games and during competition days when not in full uniform. Your director will tell you when to wear it.

Dry-fit Henley shirt (provided by band)
Black Chino-Style Shorts (length should stop at the knee)
Black Low-Cut/Ankle Socks (for summer band uniform)
Long Black Crew Socks (for marching band uniform)
Compression Underwear (for underneath marching band uniform)
Hair Spray/Gel, Bobby Pins, Hair Ties (hair must be tidy while in uniform)

Shorts Requirements:

BLACK, polyester, “golf” style shorts
NO cargo, athletic (mesh material), denim, cotton, or linen styles
Shorts must fit above the knee with a minimum inseam of 7in for boys and 4.5 for girls
Popular stores – Old Navy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Academy

Options for Boys:
Academy: https://www.academy.com/p/bcg-mens-golf-essential-shorts-8-in?sku=caviar-32
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096YKQ5ZV?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Options for Girls:
Academy: https://www.academy.com/p/magellan-outdoors-womens-falcon-lake-shorty-shorts-?sku=caviar-small
Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dezsed-Women-s-Bermuda-Quick-Dry-Lightweight-Stretch-Shorts-Golf-Hiking-Travel-Shorts-Summer-Casual-Shorts-With-Pockets-Hot-Pink-XXL-on-Clearance/7189173162

While the marching uniform components are provided through Fair Share, the following items will be provided by the student. Please talk to your director if this is a struggle – we make sure everyone who wants to participate, can.

Black chino-style shorts
Compression underwear and sports bra
Black socks
Hair spray/gel, bobby pins, hair ties

The Color Guard uniform includes a full uniform, jazz shoes, and guard gloves. There are all provided through Fair Share.

Dressing out is required during rehearsal and is part of the daily grade. Dress out clothes consist of:

T-shirt, shorts, appropriate athletic or dance shoes, sweat shirt and/or sweat pants (when cold), and additional items (director’s discretion)

Tote Bags

The following items are to be kept in the tote bags. Additional items may be included at the discretion of the director.
Hair spray, hair clips, bobby pins
Make-up (in zip-loc bag)
Tissues, feminine products, deodorant
Electrical tape
Wind suit (when applicable)
Uniform parts (i.e. gloves)
Towel (in zip-loc bag)

When students are wearing the Anderson Trojan Band Uniform (Marching/Summer/Concert) they
represent the entire Trojan Band program, as well as Anderson High School. Failure to follow these
expectations will result in students’ loss in their performance position within the band. These are the
expectations students are expected to follow while wearing their uniform:

Students will never be in partial or half uniform unless they are changing into or out of uniform.
Students will not run while in uniform.
Do not eat or drink anything other than water while in uniform, unless specific permission is given by the band directors
Students will not wear distracting jewelry (e.g dangling earrings, chains, bracelets, etc.)
No foul language will be tolerated while in uniform.
Students will follow the hair and make-up requirements set by the band directors.

uniform care

Photography

Capturing our students in action is a group effort in the Trojan Band and Guard. We have some dedicated volunteers who capture specific moments in photos and videos but our primary source of captured memories are our parents. Click below to learn more about how our photo and video efforts work over the course of the school year.

We count on our community to take and share photos throughout the season.

How to Contribute

LOOK FOR DATED FOLDERS TO UPLOAD TO HERE

We have folders set up for each event to make it easy to stay organized.
Specific folders will be shared before each event via the BAND app so please make a habit of immediately uploading your shots to the folder as soon as you can.
The photos are available for everyone in the band community to enjoy and are used in social media, our programs, and to update the website throughout the year.

We’re so grateful to everyone for sharing their amazing shots this year! To make our shared album easy to browse and use, please keep the following in mind when uploading:

Pick your best: Please limit your uploads to 20-40 of your favorite, highest-quality shots per event.
If you took a lot, select the ones that are:
- well-lit and in focus,
- tell a story or show emotion, and/or
- capture a moment others might have missed.
Avoid duplicates: If you took 10 shots of the same moment, choose one or two that represent it best.
Aim for variety:
- wide crowd shots (2 to 3 people),
- close-ups of performers,
- section features (brass, woodwinds, guard, etc.), and/or
- fun candids and behind-the-scenes moments.
Rename or tag if possible: If your platform allows, label or tag sections/events so we can sort easily later.

Thanks for helping us build a beautiful, manageable collection of memories!

Every year parent volunteers take a photo of each student in uniform, crop it appropriately, then make two buttons per student to share with their families. These are free and include a digital copy of the student’s portrait.

Many parents wear them on their bags, hats, lanyards, or pinned to their shirt each game. Over the years, you’ll collect a new one each season as keepsakes from your time with the band. The buttons tend to be distributed some time in late September so keep your eyes open to the BAND app for the exact date.

Every year we get at least one official group portrait of the entire band in uniform, generally taken at a competition in October or November. Most years there is a small fee for purchasing a print. We will keep you posted as this year unfolds.

Performance Videos

We hope that you’ll share your videos from our performances and adventures in the Parent Photo Share folder.
Designated volunteers take a video of each and every game, competition and concert. They will be uploaded to the Parent Photo Share folder each week, although not necessarily promptly. When it’s available, you can share them with your loved ones far away.
We also try to have live video streams on our Facebook and Instagram accounts (hint: we need volunteers for this)
The football team often has a livestream of the game. We will share that link with you via the BAND app before each one.

More Important Information

There is a lot to stay on top of during marching band season. Click through the tabs below to answer your questions and ensure you are ready for a successful year.

We use the BAND app for communication. You can access the groups on the app or on your computer.

The Parent Group is for parents to ask questions and send information.
- This is where we’ll tell you things like volunteer opportunities and updates on the bus, etc.
The Main Group is for directors to send out info to students and parents. Students are required to join and parents are encouraged to join. Directors will send out a link to that app at the beginning of the school year.
Parents can click on this Invitation Link from a browser, or
Download the BAND app from your phone’s app store, use the QR code to join the group

You can also find updates on the News section of this website.

Look for updates about our adventures, including live feeds to some concerts and competitions, on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Every student needs to ensure they have the proper attire and equipment to safely perform with our band and guard. Please contact the director if you are unable to provide this equipment and gear – we want to make sure every student is able to participate fully, no matter their financial situation. Please bring these to each rehearsal.

Half-Gallon Water Jug (new students will be issued one)
Sunglasses, Hat, and Sunscreen
Athletic Attire: sweat-wicking materials, long sleeves/UV resistant fabrics, light colors; NO JEANS
Running/Tennis Shoes: recommended brands – ASICS, Brooks, New Balance, etc. please do not wear crocs, converse, sandals, etc. – improper footwear can lead to injuries
Lyre/Flip Folder: this allows students to view their music while playing their instrument outside. Each instrument is different; check with your local music store for the correct model
Fanny Pack/Drawstring Bag: to hold phones, chapstick, sunscreen, etc. while on the field

Games

There are snacks on the bus to and from football games
Students and volunteers can purchase meals for the evenings of football games – PURCHASE HERE
They are passed out by parent volunteers after school in the cafeteria, giving students plenty of time to prepare for the game.
Volunteers must pay for meals in advance to receive one.

order game meals here

Competitions

Students receive free meals during competitions
Volunteers must provide their own meals
Note: Pit Crew volunteers often host a potluck for hard-working volunteers but you must bring food to share in order to participate

During Band Camp/Rehearsals

Drop off at either the band hall parking lot (Cima Serena) or the main parking lot (Steck/Mesa) depending on if your child has to get their instrument out of the band hall.

After Games/Competitions

Pick up at band hall – traffic is ONE WAY only. Parking in parking spots is preferred; if you’re in the line to pick up in front of the band hall, leave space on the left lane for cars to pass. Do not pick up from the left lane area in front of the band hall.

The practice schedule changes the first day of school and varies, depending on which day of the week our football games are.

Mondays – 5-8pm
Tuesday & Wednesdays after school – 5 – 7pm
Thursday or Friday mornings on game days – 7:30 – 8:30am
Color Guard varies, check the calendar.

As always, subscribe to the Calendar to get the most up-to-date info.

Your freshman or new student will be excused from band practice to attend the Anderson Freshman Transition camp.

Private Lessons are like getting a Personal Training session 1-on-1 with a professional on your instrument. These allow our students to progress MUCH faster than a traditional Band class would since the lessons are catered to what the student needs help with the most.

What about lessons during Marching Season? The Fall is the best time to get started with lessons. Even if your student expresses that they may fall behind, they can easily get caught up with the Marching Band concepts taught in classes. Lessons can happen before school, during Advisory, or during their scheduled Band classes.

If you have any questions or concerns about lessons, reach out to your Director.

Highlights
– Bring snack and drink donations to Registration Day
– In-person Flamingo-ing starts Monday (7/27)
– Flamingo Telethon on Wednesday (7/29)

A Quick Flamingo Primer
Flamingo-ing is our largest fundraiser of the year and a really fun team-building event! Each band section has pink plastic birds, called a flock (the larger sections run multiple flocks). Each evening during Flamingo-ing, sections head to neighborhoods in the Anderson HS vertical team and place the flock. The sections have developed their own unique appeals to homeowners around the idea that should the homeowner make a donation, they can take care of those pesky birds for them. The goal is to move the flock quickly from house to house. All kids are back at Anderson by 9 pm and headed home shortly after.

The idea here is that the kids work together, get to know one another, and raise money for the band’s activities at the same time. Flamingo-ing provides over half of ABBA’s yearly operating fund. Parents should be aware that the best time to go flamingo-ing is in the evening when people are usually at home. This means your student will be out until past sunset.

This year, in-person Flamingo-ing will start the first evening of Summer Band, Monday, July 27th. The 8 sections are split into A and B groups, with the A group of sections (Low Reeds, Percussion, Flutes, Trumpets) going out Monday and Wednesday evenings, and the B group of sections (Low Brass, Guard, Clarinets, Mellophones) going out Tuesday and Thursday evenings the first two weeks. The last day for in-person Flamingo-ing will be Wednesday, August 5th, and all sections will participate together that evening.

Flamingo Telethon
We also have a telethon component of Flamingo-ing! The Anderson Band & Guard partner with Fan-Pledge to make it easy for friends and family from outside our vertical team footprint to support the program. The telethon will kick off on Wednesday, July 29th, 11am, during the Summer Band day, and will run for about 3 weeks. It’s a great way to expand our fundraising reach and adds another dimension to the friendly competition between sections.

Flamingo Central Donations
Parents, we need help with snack and drink donations for Flamingo Central. We want to have water, Gatorade, prepackaged snacks, and baked goods waiting for the kids each evening when they return from Flamingo-ing. To make this happen, we count on donations from our parent community. Tomorrow at registration we will have a Flamingo table set up to accept snack and drink donations, and to answer all your Flamingo-ing questions. We appreciate your help with this!

Discover what the flock the excitement is about.

Ways to Help the Trojan Band
and Guard This Season

It takes more than 50 volunteers to get our kids fed, clothed, transported, chaperoned, and on and off the field. It also takes donations and business sponsors to help pay for things like props, fuel, insurance, instruments, repairs, and all the things our school budgets don’t cover. Our children are dependent on the adults in our community so look for ways you can help out during our 2026 marching season.