About The Band

The Richardson Independent School District serves more than 37,000 students across 55 campuses. RISD has a long and storied tradition of excellence across all fine arts programs. Groups from RISD have performed at venues throughout the world, with the four high schools representing some of the very best band programs across the state of Texas and the entire country. During the past fifty-five years, the J.J. Pearce High School Band program has enjoyed a decorated history of success. The Wind Ensemble was named the Texas Music Educators Association Class 5A Honor Band in 1985 and the Class 4A Honor Band in 2002, while being named a State Finalist eleven times, most recently in 2022. The band and its directors have been recognized twice by the John Philip Sousa Foundation, in 1986 and 2000, with the Sudler Flag of Honor for excellence in concert band performance. In addition to the many successes on the concert stage, the band has also advanced to the Texas State Marching Contest numerous times, while also being named a Bands of America Regional Finalist for the first time in the program’s history in 2019. The band program at Pearce is a comprehensive program made up of over 190 students across four concert ensembles, multiple percussion ensembles, chamber ensembles, two winter guards, and the Mighty Mustang Band. The Pearce Wind Ensemble is thrilled to be the first group from Richardson ISD invited to perform at this prestigious national music festival. Thank you to all our incredible students, parents, staff, private lesson & masterclass staff, administration, the whole Pearce community, and the unparalleled support of music education and the arts in Richardson ISD.