Blinn College Band alumni return for special halftime performance

More than 30 former members reunite for Billy Joel-themed show

September 22, 2026

For one memorable day, more than 30 alumni were back in the Blinn College Band.

The Blinn Band hosted Alumni Day on Saturday, welcoming former members to join the current band for a special halftime performance during Blinn’s football game against Navarro College. The performance featured music by Billy Joel.

The event was a rousing success, with 52 years of band experience represented among the alumni who joined the halftime show.

“It was a blast,” said alumna Eva Baca-Hernandez, who was part of the band from 2018-20. “Playing my instrument, it came back to me a little bit.”

For Katelyn Kocurek of Cypress, Alumni Day was another opportunity to support the band she loves.

“I come back all the time to support the band,” said Kocurek, who was a member from 2021-23. “I go to all the concerts. I love coming here, and this has been a lot of fun.”

Dr. Sarah Burke, Band Director, said the event was designed to reconnect with former members while also helping introduce potential students to the band program.

“We decided to get people involved in the program again and to invite back a lot of the people we haven’t seen for a while,” Burke said. “They’re having a great time.”

For Baca-Hernandez, picking up her flute after several years did have one unexpected side effect.

“My arm hurts a little,” she said with a laugh.

The Buccaneer Band is part of Blinn’s acclaimed Music Department, which offers an Associate of Arts degree on the Brenham Campus and a wide range of performance opportunities. Students who enjoyed participating in band in high school can continue performing in college while pursuing virtually any field of study.

Music majors and non-majors alike can participate in band, choir, chamber ensembles, individual performance, composition, and other musical experiences.

Blinn is currently recruiting students to join the Buccaneer Band for the 2027-28 academic year. Audition information and additional details are available at www.blinn.edu/band.

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.