A growing ensemble program where aspiring musicians learn, perform, and make music together.

✨ Now Enrolling for Fall! ✨

Courses Available

2026-2027 School Year

Beginning Band

Course Description

Beginning Band is for students with little to no prior instrumental experience. We build fundamental band skills and musical literacy from the ground up through playing instruments, learning music theory, and making real ensemble music together in a supportive group setting.

Students progress quickly from first notes in August to performing recognizable ensemble pieces by the December concert, and by May they are playing published band music with full parts. It’s amazing!

Students attend class once per week and follow a guided practice plan at home during the rest of the week.

Schedule

♫ Monday 5:30-6:30p at Austin Oaks Church

One Day Academy families:

♫ Tuesdays at New Braunfels 1:00-2:15

♫ Wednesdays at Bannockburn 12:30

Tuition and Fees

$80 per month, payable via Zelle, Venmo or check
$25 non-refundable registration fee due at enrollment

Advanced Band

Course Description

Advanced Band is for students with prior instrumental experience (typically one year or more) who are ready to grow as independent musicians and ensemble players.

Students continue developing technique, tone, and musical literacy while taking on more challenging concert literature and learning how to contribute to a larger ensemble sound. Performances in December and May showcase substantial band repertoire, with opportunities for motivated students to audition for TPSMEA Honor Band in the fall and prepare a solo for festival performance in the spring.

Students attend class once per week and follow a structured practice plan designed to support steady individual growth throughout the week.

Schedule

♫ Monday 6:30-7:30p at Austin Oaks Church

One Day Academy families:

♫ Wednesday at Bannockburn 1:30

Tuition and Fees

$80 per month, payable via Zelle, Venmo or check
$25 non-refundable registration fee due at enrollment

Private Lessons

Course Description

Private lessons provide individualized instruction tailored to each student’s instrument, experience level, and goals. One-on-one coaching allows students to improve more quickly, strengthen technique and tone, and build confidence with focused feedback and targeted repertoire.

Lessons can support students who want to progress faster in band, prepare for auditions, switch instruments, or simply receive more individualized attention than our ensemble class allows.

Private lessons are not required for participation in band, but many students choose them as a way to accelerate growth and deepen their musicianship.

Schedule

Scheduled individually between instructor and family

Tuition and Fees

30-minute lesson — $30
60-minute lesson — $50


Wondering if South Austin Youth Band would be a good fit for your family?


Meet the Director!

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Hi, nice to meet you! My name is Holly Herstad, and I’m the Director of Bands at South Austin Youth Band. I am a proud graduate of the University of Illinois, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education.

I started South Austin Youth Band as a growing ensemble program for young musicians in the Austin area, with multiple levels of band experience and a focus on making music together through rehearsal and performance. I love helping students progress from their first notes into confident ensemble musicians.

Working with students and making music together is one of my favorite parts of what I do. ♫

“Band is really fun and Mrs. Herstad is great!”

–ODA Band student