Blinn Buccaneer Band still accepting students for fall 2026

Students in any major can audition for scholarship opportunities and enjoy an affordable residential college experience on the Brenham Campus

August 5, 2026

High school graduates interested in continuing their musical careers still have time to join the Blinn College Buccaneer Band for the fall 2026 semester.

Open to music majors and non-music majors alike, the Buccaneer Band allows students to continue performing while pursuing any Blinn academic or workforce program. Approximately 70% of the band’s members pursue majors outside of music.

“We want students to know that graduating from high school does not have to mean giving up band,” said Dr. Sarah Burke, Band Director. “Whether they plan to study nursing, business, engineering, education, music, or another field, they can continue performing, build lasting friendships, and enjoy being part of a close-knit campus community.”

Qualified students may be considered for available music scholarships regardless of their declared major.

The Buccaneer Band brings together students from communities across Texas. Each year, approximately 50-60 high schools ranging from Class 1A to Class 6A are represented in the program.

Throughout the academic year, band members perform halftime shows during the football season, appear as a guest college band at regional and area University Interscholastic League marching contests, present campus concerts, and participate in a spring concert tour. The band also hosts and performs at the annual Buccaneer Marching Festival.

In addition to the marching and concert bands, instrumental students can participate in piano study, brass ensemble, woodwind ensemble, jazz band, percussion ensemble, and steel drum band.

“Band gives students an immediate community when they arrive on campus,” Burke said. “They meet people who share their interests, represent Blinn at performances throughout the state, and continue developing the skills and talents they built in high school.”

Students who join the Buccaneer Band also can enjoy the distinctive residential experience available on the Blinn-Brenham Campus. With eight residence halls and apartment communities housing approximately 1,800 students, the Brenham Campus offers more on-campus housing than any other community college in Texas.

This university-style campus experience includes athletics, student organizations, dining services, campus activities, and convenient access to classes and academic resources. At the same time, Blinn students save approximately 52% in tuition and general fees compared to the average Texas public university.

The fall semester begins Monday, Aug. 24, and registration is now available. To learn more about joining the Buccaneer Band or to request an audition, email carnell.simmons@blinn.edu.

About the Blinn College District

With innovative programs and award-winning co-enrollment partnerships, Blinn’s academic transfer rate ranks No. 1 among Texas community colleges. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu.