High School Wind Ensemble
The High School Wind Ensemble is a concert performing ensemble and is open to students in all four high school grades. The Wind Ensemble will perform at various events and concerts throughout the school year. This group participates in UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest every year. Trying out for region band and participating in the London Solo and Chamber music competition is required for this group. Private lessons are strongly encouraged.
High School Concert Band
The High School Concert Band is a concert performing ensemble and is open to students in all four high school grades. The Concert Band will perform at various events and concerts throughout the school year. This group participates in UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest every year. Trying out for region band and participating in the London Solo and Chamber music competition is suggested for this group. Private lessons are strongly encouraged.
Middle School Band
The Middle School Band is a concert performing ensemble and is open to students in both middle school grades. The Middle School Band will perform at various events and concerts throughout the school year. They will also perform at multiple recruiting events at the elementary and intermediate campuses. This group participates in UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest every year. Trying out for region band and participating in the London Solo and Chamber music competition is required for this group. Private lessons are strongly encouraged.
Beginning Band
The Beginning Band is a concert performing ensemble and is open to students in 6th grade and some middle school students. The Beginning Band is the start of someone’s journey to being a musician. This group is very fundamentally focused and will work towards having 3 concerts a year. This band is made up of woodwinds, brass, and percussion which will rehearse mostly separately but will come together to prepare for our full band concerts. They will also participate in some fun events and fundraisers within the school year. All students are required to perform at the Solo Contest. Private lessons are strongly encouraged.
Competition Band
The Competition Band is the top marching ensemble at London ISD consisting of approximately 50 members in grades 7-12 and partners with the London High School Dance Program. Participation for the Competition Band is selected during band camp each Summer. The Competition Band performs at halftime of all football games. The Competition Band regularly participates in local marching festivals and UIL Marching Contest. Membership in either the Competition Band or Pirate Band is required for all LHS band members and optional for LMS band members.
Pirate Band
The Pirate Band is comprised of members from all four high school grades. The Pirate Band is designed for those who are still developing their marching band playing skills. The Pirate Band is also for those band members who have a London ISD athletic conflict with the Competition Band schedule. Membership in either the Competition Band or Pirate Band is required for all LHS band members.
Drumline
The Drumline meets as a separate group at many events throughout the school year. In addition to participation with either the Competition or Pirate bands, this ensemble works together towards separate pep events/festivals. All High School percussionists will be a part of this group during the school year. This group is optional for middle school percussion students
Colorguard
The London Colorguard consists of students in grades 7-12. Inclusion in the group is open to everyone by audition. Members will practice equipment skills with dance movement and marching band drills to perform with the band during Fall football game halftime shows. The Color Guard will also perform at recruiting events and continue to prepare during the Spring semester.
Click Below To View Our Official 2026-2027 Amazon List!
The London Band Amazon Store is a great resource for items your student will more than likely need throughout the year. Most of these items are a mix of supplies that are required to have (like valve oil or reeds) and items that parents have found to be nice to have over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know joining band comes with a lot of moving parts — from schedules and practices to credits and extracurriculars. Below are answers to the most common questions we get from parents and students to help you stay informed and prepared.
What should we do if my student has a conflict with a band practice or performance?
For most things, attendance at all practices and performance are mandatory. Please check the band calendar and what dates apply to your student before scheduling any extra trips or events. If there is a conflict, please contact the band directors as soon as possible.
How many students are in each band?
We generally have around 60 students in the High School and Middle School Band. The beginning band has around 30 students. While we only have one class period per school, we are looking to split into two class periods per school very soon.
How do I join the Colorguard?
We host audition clinics throughout the spring semester. These will all be for students wanting to join the colorguard for the next school year. Everything you need to know will be taught at these clinics. Please check the calendar for the exact dates.
Does band count as an athletic credit?
Only once you get to high school, the band class will count as your athletic credit.
Can I be in band and other things?
We encourage our students to participate in multiple activities! We have a great relationship with all of the coachers/teachers of other London ISD activities. We have been able to work out almost every situation in the past. London ISD prides itself on their students participating in as many activities as they can.
What is competition band?
All High School band students will participate in some form of marching band in the fall. We understand that students learn at different rates and have different levels of commitment to be in the competition band. We offer two different marching band options because of this. Competition band is for the students participating in the halftime show at football games and the various marching contests. Pirate Band students will still travel with us to all football games, pep rallies, and some outside of school events. Competition band meets five times a week, including football games. Pirate Band students will have at least one rehearsal a week along with some others that may be called for special events.
Where do I pay my band fees?
All checks should be made payable to London Pirates Band Booster. Private Lesson checks will be directly made out to the lesson teacher. London ISD instrument rentals will be made out to London ISD. All checks can be given to the Band Directors.
Where does the money go for band fundraisers?
Whether it is buying a new set of timpani or a new bari sax, all of our booster funds will benefit all students at all grade levels.
How can I as a parent help?
Please check out our volunteer tab or contact majors.blaine@londonisd.net
Can I only do band for one season?
All band and colorguard members will be in band for a full school year unless special circumstances arise. Please contact a band director if you need more information on this.
Is a band a big time commitment?
The calendar may look intimidating but, we always have options in band. Beginners have limited outside of school events, Middle Schoolers have one rehearsal a week outside of school, and High School have the option of doing Competition Band.
Why do we have to do marching band?
Marching band is required as part of the TEKS. All high school students can either participate in Competition Band or Pirate Band. Marching Band is optional for Middle School students.