Hays High School Wind Ensemble:
The Wind Ensemble, conducted by John Rauschuber, is the top concert ensemble at Hays High School. Admission into the Wind Ensemble is by audition only. The Wind Ensemble performs the finest repertoire for wind band including both contemporary and classic works, as well as transcriptions and marches. This ensemble has a long and rich history of performance excellence and honors credit is available. These performances include the holiday performance, the UIL and Spring concert programs as well as performing for the annual Hays High School Graduation ceremony. This ensemble rehearses each day during 1st period. Members of the Hays High School Wind Ensemble are required to participate in the TMEA All-State audition process.
Hays High School Wind Symphony:
The Wind Symphony, conducted by Aaron Collins is the second band at Hays High School. Admission into the Wind Symphony is by audition only. This wind band’s programs feature challenging and varied literature in preparation for their performances throughout the school year. These performances include the holiday performance, the UIL and Spring concert programs as well as performing for the annual Hays High School Graduation ceremony. This ensemble rehearses each day during 2nd period. Members of the Hays High School Wind Symphony are required to participate in the TMEA All-State audition process.
Hays High School Symphonic Winds:
The Symphonic Winds, conducted by Kyle Pridgen, is the third band at Hays High School with placement by audition only. This ensemble rehearses each day during 3rd period and is devoted to the study and performance of important wind band literature while continuing work in the development of instrumental craft. Performances include the holiday performance as well as the UIL and Spring concert programs. Members of the Hays High School Symphonic Winds are strongly encouraged to participate in the TMEA All-State audition process.
Hays High School Symphonic Band:
The Symphonic Band, conducted by Aaron Venegas rehearses each day during 4th period. With a dual focus of improving performance fundamentals as well as literature preparation, the Symphonic Band performs a wide variety of music. Performances for Symphonic Band II include the holiday performance, the Pre-UIL Music Festival, UIL Concert & Sight-Reading contest as well as the Spring concert program. Members of the Hays High School Symphonic Band are strongly encouraged to participate in the TMEA All-State audition process.
Hays High School Jazz Band:
The Hays High School Jazz band is co-taught by Kyle Pridgen and Aaron Venegas. The Jazz Band is scheduled during 7th period. Membership in the Jazz Band requires director approval. A student must be a member of one of the primary music ensembles at Hays High School in order to be a member of the Jazz Band, however piano, guitar, bass & vocals are the exceptions at the discretion of the band director. Members of the HHS Jazz Band are highly encouraged to audition for the TMEA All-Region Jazz Band. The Jazz Ensemble will compete/perform at various concerts and competitions on and off campus. The groups are often requested at various district and community events throughout the year.