In 1900 a chemistry professor at The University of Texas recruited 16 UT students to play in the first Longhorn Band. He spent his own money to buy instruments from a pawn shop in downtown Austin. The band practiced on campus in a little shack known as the chemistry lab.

A century later the Longhorn Band has become the premiere "Showband of the Southwest," with 350 members representing nearly all the academic majors.

The Longhorn Band serves as a University of Texas ambassador at numerous events, including presidents' inaugural parades, football games, commencement ceremonies, pep rallies, civic parades, and special invitation performances. Under the leadership of talented directors throughout the 20th century, the Longhorn Band has now become a nationally recognized symbol of the college marching band.

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