The Austin (MN) High School Bands have been recognized for decades as part of a top-tier music program. The Wind Ensemble has been selected to perform at the Minnesota Music Educator's Mid-Winter Clinic many times, including three times in the past decade (2019, 2014, and 2012) and at the University of Northern Iowa Invitational Wind Band Clinic in 2019. Every three years, the bands travel for clinics and performances, most recently to Atlanta, GA and Dollywood, TN in 2018 and to New York City in 2015. Each of the high school bands collaborates with professional composers, conductors, and college ensembles on a regular basis.
The concert ensembles are the heart of Austin High School's band program, including the 9th Grade Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and the auditioned Wind Ensemble.
All students in the AHS Bands receive individual and small group lessons and have opportunities to create and perform in small ensembles. Some ensembles exist for single performance, while other ensembles (such as the Flute Choir created in 2018) continue beyond the students who start them. Small ensembles perform in class, at festivals, and around the community.
The jazz program is a hallmark of AHS and the greater Austin community. Jazz One performs throughout the year at events and jazz festivals, and is occasionally available for hire for private events.
The AHS Pep Band is one of the most exciting groups around, playing for a variety of sporting events and pep assemblies throughout the year, including section and state soccer and basketball games in recent years.
Students at AHS also have the opportunity to take part in a non-competitive marching band, which performs at local summer celebrations, during Homecoming, and on Memorial Day.
The AHS Bands have been directed and taught by Christoph Dundas since 2016.