Lamar University Bands

The wind and percussion program at Lamar University is one of the most active programs on campus. There are five performing ensembles: the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Cardinal Basketball Pep Band, and Jazz Bands A and B. These bands are open to all students regardless of major. Partial tuition and housing waiver scholarships are available to students based on talent and departmental need.

For scholarship audition information, or questions concerning the wind and percussion ensembles, please contact Scott Deppe at (409) 880-8147 or scott.deppe@lamar.edu or bands@lamar.edu.

Wind Ensemble

The Wind Ensemble is the premiere large ensemble at Lamar University. This ensemble is a process-oriented group which provides an opportunity for the musician to emphasize interactive musical skills in a large ensemble setting. While promoting the advancement of wind music of artistic and historical merit, it reinforces the skills taught in the studio and develops the application of those skills. This course is designed to advance the growth of the students' overall musicianship and to promote a lifelong love and respect of music. Each year members participate in the Conducting Symposium, featuring an outstanding wind band conductor as clinician. Membership is by audition only and is open to all university students regardless of major.

The Wind Ensemble has performed at many state, national and international conventions throughout the country. Performances include the Music Educators National Conference, Texas Music Educators Association, American Bandmasters Association, College Band Directors National Association Convention and the Western International Band Clinic Conference. The Wind Ensemble is conducted by Scott Deppe, director of bands. Listen Now to a sample of Lamar's Wind Ensemble.

Concert Band


The Concert Band performs one to two concerts each semester, and participation is welcomed from all university students, regardless of major. No audition is required for membership in this ensemble.

Pep Band


The Cardinal Basketball Pep Band provides additional performance opportunities for wind and percussion players at Lamar. The Pep Band consists of about 30 members and performs at all of the Lamar men and women's home basketball games. Additional scholarships are awarded to the members of this organization.

Jazz Bands


The Lamar University jazz program consists of two bands, Jazz Band A and Jazz Band B, under the direction of Dr. Wayne Dyess. The jazz program is made up of university students of all majors. Jazz Band A has appeared at the Wichita Jazz Festival, the Texas Music Educators Association and the International Association of Jazz Educators Conference.

For more information on Lamar University bands, e-mail: bands@lamar.edu