The Longhorn Band stands as one of the most recognizable organizations on campus. Their triumphant presence at football games and other local events led some to call them the soundtrack of the University, and this year the band will take their showmanship to South by Southwest. Today at 10 a.m. the Longhorn Band will participate in a parade that begins at the Austin Convention Center and concludes at Antone’s Nightclub in order to kick off the University’s lineup of SXSW events. 

As the “Showband of the Southwest,” the 123-year-old band stands as a fixture at numerous notable events including the 2024 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, the 2023 Austin Grand Prix and the 2023 OU-UT football matchup in Dallas. 

Michael Meng, a business freshman and trombonist for the band, said he looks forward to participating in the SXSW parade. 

“I’m pretty excited because I’m not from Austin,” Meng said. “I’ve heard a lot about South by Southwest and how fun it is, so I’m excited to get my first introduction (to the festival).”

Camila Martinez, flute performance freshman and marching band piccoloist, said she knew she wanted to be a part of the band after attending the Orange-White Game while still in high school. As one of the few piccolo players performing, Martinez said participating in the parade differs from playing in the stands at a football game because the band connects with the audience more. 

“It’s pretty exciting because you get more of a personal feel with the audience around you,” Martinez said. 

Meng said he thinks it’s important for the University to be involved in the community through events like the parade. 

“It’s always a great thing when a university reaches out and supports the community,” Meng said. “I’m always a big proponent of bigger entities reaching out and (being) more part of where they’re from, so I think it’s a great opportunity.”

Will Webb, biomedical engineering freshman and piccolo player said the band plans on playing fan favorites, including March Grandioso and the Texas Fight Song. 

“I’ve never actually been to (SXSW), … but marching down (the street when) everybody’s always cheering. It’s just a really fun vibe,” Webb said. “I love the fact that we’re able to bring joy via music to so many different Austinies.”