Our Mission       

 To raise the awareness and appreciation of wind band music in the East Texas area by presenting both formal concerts and informal celebrations of “the people’s music;"

       To provide motivation for and encouragement to young musicians to continue making music a part of their lives.

The band was organized in 1988 by Dr. James Snowden. Two concerts were presented during the first season. Today, the band presents four concerts each season (November, February, March and May); all of which are free to the public.

In 1997, the Band was invited to perform for the 50th Anniversary Clinic-Convention of the Texas Bandmaster's Convention in San Antonio.

In 2002, a special patriotic concert titled “A Tribute to America” was held on September 11. The purpose of this program was to honor the character and spirit of America which has enabled our country to rise above the terrorist attacks and move forward in a positive manner. Guest performers for this concert were members of various area church choirs.

The Band has also played at the Great Texas Balloon Race, Longview's Alleyfest, the Longview Partnership Banquet, and most recently, in 2005, at the Judson High School Reunion.

One of the most popular events the East Texas Symphonic Band hosts is the annual “Pops In The Park” concert at Teague Park’s band shell. It occurs the Thursday before Memorial Day each year and features music from the movies, marches from John Philip Sousa, and tributes to the armed forces.

Today the band is made up of approximately 40 volunteer musicians from the East Texas Area. This group consists of adults, many of which are band directors from area high schools, and both high school and college students. Dr. James Snowden continues to head the band as its director and serves as a great role model for all the musicians as is proven by being a past recipient of the Texas Music Educators Association's Leadership and Achievement Award.

The mission of the East Texas Symphonic Band is to raise the awareness and appreciation of wind band music in the East Texas area by presenting both formal concerts and informal celebrations of “the people’s music", and to provide motivation for and encouragement to young musicians to continue making music a part of their lives.

The Board of Directors consists of about sixteen members. These individuals include both band members and patrons. The mission of the Board of Directors is to present the symphonic band in appropriate performance settings, and to support the band financially and in any other ways deemed appropriate and effective.