About

AUSTIN SYMPHONIC BAND PRESENTS

A JOHN WILLIAMS CELEBRATION

MAY 17 | 3:00 P.M. | FESTIVAL CONCERT HALL

Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon as the Austin Symphonic Band, Sugar Land Winds, and Mansfield Wind Symphony join forces for a spectacular concert at Festival Concert Hall in Round Top! The guest conductor will be Jerry Junkin, Director of Bands at the University of Texas.

Prepare to be captivated by the iconic works of legendary composer John Williams, featuring the epic “Main Title” from Star Wars, the exhilarating Midway March, the thrilling March from “1941,” and the captivating music of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Also delight in the stunning artistry of other pieces such as Halcyon Hearts by Katahj Copley and a new Clif Jones arrangement of tunes from Showboat.

Don’t miss this extraordinary showcase of talent and passion! Mark your calendars and experience a musical celebration that will leave you thrilled and inspired.

Secure your tickets now and join us for this concert extravaganza!

BUY TICKETS!

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
• Time: 3:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
• Venue: Festival Concert Hall
• Website: https://statesman.evvnt.events/events/john-williams-concert

Ticket Information

• Cost: $10.00 - $20.00

Presenter Details

• Name: Austin Symphonic Band

The Austin Symphonic Band (ASB) was founded in 1981 by local brass and woodwind musicians. The band has had only four music directors: Frank Simon, Randol Bass, Richard Floyd and the current Music Director, Kyle Glaser, who has served since 2022. Bill Haehnel was appointed Assistant Music Director in 2003.

Named the Official Band of the City of Austin by the Austin City Council in June 1989, ASB has performed for City events such as the dedication of the Barbara Jordan passenger terminal at Austin Bergstrom International Airport and the Governor’s Welcome Home of the Troops from the Gulf War “Desert Storm” in 1991. ASB also works closely with local schools to provide mentoring, tutoring, performance opportunities, and free tickets to students.

In 1989 ASB was the first community band to perform the Grand Finale Concert at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago; it has returned for two additional appearances. ASB was featured at the American Bandmasters Association Conventions in 1993 and 2006. In addition, ASB was offered an invitational performance at the Western International Band Clinic in 2004. The band received the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Scroll for outstanding achievement as a community band in 1994.

Want to know more about ASB? Click here to view our historical archives!

ASB commissions new music and performs contemporary music, providing support for the national community of composers and arrangers of concert band music. Works commissioned by ASB have included Dancing on Water by Frank Ticheli (2015).

ASB also sponsors the annual Young Composers Contest, which picks a winner each fall based on the merit of previous compositions, and commissions a new work for the next concert season. Winners to date include Dr. Christopher Lowry, whose composition (Delusions of) Grandeur, Op. 51, premiered on April 14, 2024, and Ryan Fillinger (22), whose new work will receive its premiere in the 2024-25 concert season.

ASB has enjoyed a long history of collaborating with outstanding guest soloists and conductors, including Boston Brass, Rhythm & Brass, Jim Walker (flute soloist), Pat Sheridan (tuba soloist), Tito Carrillo (jazz trumpet soloist) Steve Williamson (Chicago Symphony Principal Clarinetist), Clint Foreman (Boston Symphony Second Flutist), Synaesthesia Saxophone Quartet, and Austin Symphony Conductor Peter Bay.

Venue Details