Austin MN High School Band

08/17/2026

10 years ago, Austin High School hired Mr. Dundas as the 7th band teacher in 15 years. The APS Music program had (and still has) a long history of musical excellence, but had struggled to keep high school band teachers.

We saw many changes in the past decade. Before I was hired, the school added a 3rd concert band, and we worked to build the identity of 3 band classes. We saw the 2020 pandemic significantly impact 4 grades of middle school students. This year will be the end of a 7-year recovery in the program as the 2027 seniors were the last band 5th graders impacted by the pandemic.

We have received over 1/2 MILLION dollars in music grants in 10 years. With that funding were able to build an inventory of 900 school instruments (band & orchestra) so that ANY student can participate in instrumental music.

Most importantly, we have a music program that represents our community.

I am excited to hand off the AHS Band program to Mr. Truong! He brings excitement and energy to the high school. After this post I'll transfer the social media pages over.

Thank you for 10 wonderful years of support for the AHS Bands!

-Mr. Dundas

07/23/2026

Thank you to all the volunteers who performed at summer graduation today! We had a fun mix of Ellis, AHS, and alumni!

07/20/2026

LAST CHANCE to sign up for Thursday's summer graduation mini-band!
We have good registration so far but could really use 1-2 saxes, 1 more trumpet, and 1-2 percussionists!

Come play at summer graduation on July 23!!!! Current students, alumni, and community members are welcome!
Sign up by NOON ON JULY 20: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Tq633K3PAi

07/16/2026

Well, the 2026 Marching Band season is in the books! Our dedicated group of students worked hard to learn a marching drill this year for one of our two songs. We've come a long way since a full reset in 2021 after covid!

Summer highlights:
-Season Preview at Chateau Speedway
-Parades in Lyle, Albert Lea, and Austin
-Overnight trip to Cascade Bay Waterpark, Ainsley Sutton Lodge, and parades in Andover and Lakeville
-Total audience: over 80,000 people!
-2nd year with uniforms that work in July heat, thanks to the Austin American Legion
-Grasyn, Caleb, Jason, Greg, and a bunch of parents and other siblings helping carry the banner and water for parades
-Palmer Bus wearing a top hat in the parade!
-Coach bus with AC from Ready Bus for the trip, thanks to Austin Eagles Club and Music Boosters of Austin MN
-Building a drumline with NO returning members after graduation, and teaching 7 non-percussionists how to play in 4 days (thanks Mr. Wightkin!!)
-Drill design by Mr. Wightkin
-Mr. Dundas running around everywhere
-Reuben Drees as drum major!

07/12/2026

Come play at summer graduation on July 23!!!! Current students, alumni, and community members are welcome!
Sign up by NOON ON JULY 20: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Tq633K3PAi

07/06/2026

Austin Main Street is our favorite place to play! We love the sound when the drums echo off the brick buildings and the local crowds cheer!

06/28/2026

Join us in the warmup circle before the Lyle Independence Day Celebration parade!

06/25/2026

2017 AHS Band alumnus Arn Huizinga returned to the Paramount stage on Wednesday as a member of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Band! It was quite a homecoming, as Arn was featured in a trombone trio, arranged a piece for the band, and conducted "Stars and Stripes Forever" at the end of the concert. Congrats Arn!

06/24/2026

Come hear the AHS Marching Band's 2026 music preview on Friday night at the racetrack!!!!!

Up NEXT WEEK 🟢🏳️🏁

05/27/2026

Share with your friends with 4th graders to remind them to sign up for 5th grade music classes!!!!

Find Your Sound and Play Music