Who We Are
Who We Are
Who We Are
The Big Blue Band was founded with the opening of the school in 1969. Over the past 50 years, we have built a rich history while providing music education to thousands of students.
The current band program serves over 220 students. Ensembles include Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensembles, and Winter Guard as well as many chamber music groups.
Meet the Staff and get to know the directors that lead the Big Blue Band.
We seek to provide our students with the highest quality supplemental teachers which includes our talented Private Lesson Staff and Auxiliary Staff. These talented individuals help our students succeed to their highest potential which includes our All–State Musicians.
Marching Band
Marching Band
Marching Band
The Big Blue Band Marching Band is made up of students from all concerts bands. The Big Blue Band has a long history of great traditions, pride, and excellence. The marching band performs at all North Mesquite HS pep rallies, North Mesquite HS football games, and at marching band contests and exhibitions.
The Big Blue Band Marching Band consistently achieves 1st Division ratings at the Texas UIL Marching Band Competition, consistently earns an appearance in Area finals, and in 2012 and 2014, was named the Alternate to the State Marching Contest.
In 2023, The Big Blue Band Marching Band made history and qualified for the State Marching Contest, earning 2nd place in Area C Finals!
Concert Bands
Concert Bands
Concert Bands
The Big Blue Band is made up of four concert band ensembles. Every student signed up for band auditions to be placed in a band class. Ensemble placement is based on a series of criteria including the audition itself, participation in the All–Region and Solo and Ensemble Contests, participation in private lessons, and general conduct.
Jazz Band
Jazz Band
Jazz Bands
The North Mesquite High School Jazz Program is made up of two ensembles; The Jazz Ensemble and The Jazz Band. Both ensembles comprise of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, and rhythm section.
The Jazz Ensemble is an audition only single blocked class and acts as the Varsity Jazz Ensemble at NMHS. Members are typically advanced on their instrument and have multiple years of experience performing jazz literature. The Jazz Ensemble performs regular gigs, multiple jazz festivals a year, and at 3 of our regular band concerts. The Jazz Ensemble is led by Mr. Jake McClain.
The Jazz Band is an outside of school ensemble that begins meeting after marching band season. Members of this ensemble are typically new to jazz and this ensemble will help introduce them to jazz literature. Typically, this ensemble rehearses twice a week after school. The Jazz Band regularly performs at the Holiday Concert, the Senior Honor Concert, and at the Mesquite ISD Evening of Jazz. The Jazz Band is led by Ms. Ashlyn Bruns with assistance from Mr. McClain.
The Jazz Program is essential to the community outreach of the Big Blue Band and we are fortunate to have some of the most talented jazz ensemble’s in the area!
Color Guard
The Big Blue Band Winter Guard program includes the Varsity and Junior Varsity squads. Each squad competes in their respective divisions of the North Texas Colorguard Association. Each squad utilizes flags and twirling weapons to accompany their choreographed dance routines. Big Blue Band members are eligible to be in both their regularly scheduled band class and either Winter Guard squad.
Interested students may also apply to be a member of the Big Blue Floor Crew which support our Winter Guard squads by helping transport the specially designed performance floor tarps and by cheering on their friends as the squads perform.