Fall Classes are in full swing!!
South Austin Youth Band aims to provide instrumental music education outside of the typical school experience. The once-a-week classes/rehearsals will be supplemented by at-home practice (don’t worry, I’ll teach the kids how to practice). All of our beginning band classes will perform together for two concerts – one in December and one in May. Both advanced band classes will perform together in the same way. We’ll have a couple extra rehearsals as full ensembles in the weeks before concerts.
Courses Available
2025-2026 School Year
♫ Beginning Band ♫
Course Description
Beginning Band is an introductory course designed for students with little to no prior instrumental experience, focusing on developing fundamental band skills and musical literacy through playing instruments and learning music theory. We will go from ground zero in August to recognizable tunes at the December concert and playing published music with parts in May! It’s amazing.
Students will attend class once per week, and practice independently (with instructions! and coaching!) during the rest of the week.
Schedule
Monday 5-6p at Austin Oaks Church
One Day Academy families:
Wednesdays at Bannockburn 12:30
Tuition and Fees
Band Classes are $80 / month, payable via check or Venmo.
A non-refundable $25 registration fee is due upon enrollment.
♫ Advanced Band ♫
Course Description
Advanced Band is a course designed for students with a year or more of prior instrumental experience, focusing on developing ensemble skills and musical literacy through playing instruments and learning music theory.
Students will play challenging band literature at concerts in December and May. Ambitious musicians can audition to take part in a TPSMEA Honor Band in the fall, and prepare a solo to perform at a festival in the spring.
Students will attend class once per week, and practice independently (with instructions! and coaching!) during the rest of the week.
Tuition and Fees
Band Classes are $80 / month, payable via check or Venmo.
A non-refundable $25 registration fee is due upon enrollment.
♫ Private Lessons ♫
Course Description
Weekly private lessons provide band students with personalized instruction tailored to their specific needs, helping them improve technique, tone, and musicality at a faster pace. One-on-one guidance allows students to refine their skills, build confidence, and tackle challenging repertoire with greater ease. Additionally, private lessons offer focused attention that can reinforce classroom learning, correct bad habits early, and inspire a deeper love for music.
Private lessons are NOT REQUIRED for playing in band. Students planning to audition for honor bands, switch instruments, or simply need more challenge will benefit from lessons.
Schedule
The schedule for private lessons is worked out between Mrs. Herstad and individual families.
Tuition and Fees
30 minute private lessons are $30. Hour long lessons are $50.
Meet the Director!
Hi, nice to meet you! My name is Holly Herstad, and I’m the Director of Bands at South Austin Youth Band. I am a proud graduate of the University of Illinois, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. I have been involved with bands for over 30 years. Prior to my work with South Austin Youth Band, I started bands at Veritas Academy and One Day Academy in Austin, Texas. One of my very favorite things to do is make music with kids!
“Band is really fun and Mrs. Herstad is great!”
–ODA Band student
South Austin Youth Band 