About ETSB

The ETSB is made up of approximately 70 volunteer musicians from the East Texas Area. This group consists of adults, many of whom are band directors from area high schools, as well as high school and college students. Dr. James Snowden continues to lead the band as its Director and serves as a great role model for all the musicians as is proven by being a past recipient of the Texas Music Educators Association’s Leadership and Achievement Award, being inducted into the TMEA’s Hall of Fame, receiving Outstanding Music Alumnus from Stephen F. Austin State University, and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award from Arts!Longview. 

The ETSB has been awarded a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. The band was presented with the 2014 Community Band of the Year by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. The Sudler Silver Scroll award is North America’s most prestigious award for community bands. This recognizes ETSB for demonstrating particularly high standards of excellence in concert activities over a period of several years, and playing a significant and leading role in the cultural and musical environment in the community.

In 1997, the Band was invited to perform for the 50th Anniversary Clinic-Convention in San Antonio and was the first “community band” ever invited to play at that event. In 2016, the Band was invited back and performed at the Texas Bandmaster’s Convention in San Antonio.

In 2024, the Band performed for almost 2,000 East Texas fifth graders at daytime concerts that also included participation from area vocalists. The concert was a great way to share the arts with children – some of who may never have seen a live band or live singers before. A similar concert is planned for 2025.

The Band has also played for the Balloon Glow at the Great Texas Balloon Race, ETBU’s Memorial Day Celebration, and the Dedication of the LeTourneau University Belcher Center. The Band was the only instrumental ensemble to perform at this historical event.

One of the most popular events the East Texas Symphonic Band hosts is the annual “Concert In The Park” concert at Teague Park’s Amphitheatre. It usually occurs the Monday (one week) before Memorial Day and features music from the movies, marches, and tributes to the Armed Forces.