McNeese State University offers several exciting opportunities for High School Band Students.

All-Star High School Honor Band

– Each spring, the McNeese State University Band hosts a high school honor band for Louisiana and Texas student musicians. The ensemble will rehearse with an outstanding guest wind conductor and perform in concert. Recent guest conductors include Dr. David A. Waybright (University of Florida) and Dr. Christopher Heffner (Lebanon Valley College, Pennsylvania). Students are also treated to a master class on their specific instrument, presented by McNeese State faculty members. The weekend concludes Saturday afternoon with a combined concert featuring the Honor Band and the MSU Wind Symphony.

High School Summer Band Camps

– The MSU Summer Band Camps provide an intense and exciting four days of education and preparation for high school marching band in the fall.

All-Star Marching Band

– Each fall, the Pride of McNeese welcomes high school musicians from across Louisiana and Texas to our Lake Charles campus to perform with The Cowboy Marching Band at an exciting Cowboys home football game! Students rehearse and perform a halftime show with the MSU band. It is a great way to get immersed in the college band experience, come join us!

The Showdown at Sundown High School Marching Band Festival

– The Showdown at Sundown is hosted each October by the McNeese State University Cowboy Marching Band. This weekday evening high school marching band festival is held under the lights in the beautiful Cowboy Stadium on the McNeese State campus. Between 10 and 12 high school bands perform in a festival format for the audience and judges. An invitation is extended to regional bands each spring. The festival is open to the public for a minimal admission price.