The Blast Blog

The recent landing of a spacecraft on Mars brings our attention again to the exploration of space. The famous, or in some circles infamous, polyester vest of the LHAB can claim a link to space exploration. First how did this little vest become a part of the LHAB uniform anyway? In the first years of the LHAB in the 60’s, the uniform was a white shirt, black (not gray but black) pants, black shoes and socks and an orange neckerchief. Just for clarification, a neckerchief is more like the neckwear worn by the United States Navy, not like the larger,…Continue Reading LHAB Archives – Vest In Space

Texas Fight is the iconic fight song of the University of Texas at Austin. Most sources note that it was written by Walter Hunnicutt, but that is not the full story of this special piece of UT and Longhorn Band history. In the fall of 1923, Walter “Red” Hunnicutt wrote the first version of Texas Taps. Red was one of the member-elected student directors of the Longhorn Band while Burnett “Blondie” Pharr was Director of the Longhorn Band. Blondie thought the song was a good addition to the LHB repertoire and began working with Red to finalize the piece for the…Continue Reading LHAB Archives – Texas Taps

After years of talking and planning on and off, we’re proud to announce a major project to produce a high-quality coffee table book that will present a mostly-visual history of the Showband of the Southwest. The plan includes a dynamic digital component, including special digital access for LHAB members. While we have a really impressive team of alumni and other friends of the LHB working on this project, putting this together requires everyone’s help. So, here’s what we need from all our members: VOLUNTEERS: Although we have many people working on this already, if you want to be part of…Continue Reading Help Needed: LHB Book Project

Did you miss our annual meeting, or would you like to re-watch the experience? Find a highlight re-play of our ‘Around the Ladder’ member meeting below! Come for the march down introduction and stay for all of the information shared about scholarships and other activity of LHAB. Hook ’em!…Continue Reading Watch Band Day 2020

View a PDF version of this story here. Anyone participating in a marching band is familiar with the role of the Drum Major but have you heard of the “Drum Minor”??  If not then look to the history of the University of Texas Longhorn Band to understand this concept. Burnett (Blondie) Pharr was the director of the Longhorn Band from 1921 to 1936.  He was a tireless promoter of the band during his tenure as director.  The band performed all over often in conjunction with the Varsity Entertainers.  As part of this cycle of promotion, Blondie had his daughter Gladys…Continue Reading LHAB Archives – The Drum Minor

A message from Paula Crider – click image below to play video….Continue Reading A special message from Paula Crider

The BlastVol. 57 Issue 7 Virtual Band Day Schedule Friday, November 20th:7:00pm (CST): Trivia Contest (prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place)8:00pm (CST): Section Happy Hour (which section will have the best turnout?) Saturday, November 21st:10:00am (CST): Around the Ladder (reveal of the new LHAB logo and Favorite Halftime Show)1:00pm (CST): The Huddle (LHAB FAQ’s answered)4:00PM (CST): Area Hangouts (meet your Area Reps and see who “traveled” the farthest to attend Band Day) Registration is now closed. Those that registered will receive Zoom links and more information by email. Silent Auction The Silent Auction opens Nov 12th at 9am (CST)…Continue Reading Virtual Band Day Schedule

Band Day is FREE this year! YES FREE! But you must join or renew your membership by November 18 to be eligible to vote for your favorite halftime show and our new logo!…Continue Reading Renew your LHAB Membership!

Show off your Alumni Band pride with an awesome new LHAB mask!…Continue Reading Make A Donation – Get A Mask!

SAVE THE DATE – NOVEMBER 21, 2020! While this year may be a little different, we will still have a fun event, which will include our yearly business meeting and much more! More details to follow in the coming weeks!…Continue Reading Band Day 2020