08/27/2026
The first half of 2026 has been an exciting and productive time for the Texas Aggie Band Association (TABA). Thanks to the continued generosity and involvement of our members, the TABA has been able to provide significant financial support to the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band (FTAB) while also growing our membership. We are grateful to everyone who continues to support the traditions, people, and future of the Aggie Band.
I believe it is also worth noting here.... that you DO NOT need to have been a former member of the Band to join the TABA. If you love the FTAB and would like to help in the TABA's support of the band cadets, please go to the link at the bottom of this post. We would be honored to have you onboard.
FTAB Leadership, Travel Plans and More:
The Class of ’27 has officially taken over leadership of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. The new Commanding Officers are:
Anthony Mabins — Combined Band Commander
Jane Muguerza — Artillery Band CO
Jackson McClain — A Battery CO
Bryce Borders — B Battery CO
Donovan Walden — C Battery CO
Jackson Beever — Infantry Band CO
Preston Jelinek — A Company CO
Jared Taylor — B Company CO
Daniel Martinez — C Company CO
New Drum Majors are (L to R in Photo):
Trey Bass — Artillery Band Drum Major
Brandon Andrzejewski — Head Drum Major
Trey Moran — Infantry Band Drum Major
A total of 113 new fish reported on Wednesday, August 12th for FOW, now known as On-Boarding, bringing total unit strength to approximately 400. Directors and White Belt cadre began indoctrinating the new fish in the ways of the FTAB immediately following check-in and for the remainder of the week. The full band reported August 15th, with the first combined band drill held on Sunday, August 16th. Rehearsals and drills continued throughout the week and culminated with a Kyle Field rehearsal Saturday morning , August 22nd, followed by Fish Review.
Beginning this past Tuesday, August 25th, the band will rehearse each weekday morning from 7:00–8:30 a.m. The first 30 minutes will be indoors at the MAC and closed to the public, followed by one hour on the drill field that is open to the public. Saturday morning drill times before home football games will vary depending on kickoff times.
The full Aggie Band will travel and march at LSU on September 26th and Oklahoma on November 21st. A 100-piece band (not marching) consisting of White Belts will travel to Alabama on October 24th and South Carolina on November 7th. The band will not travel to Missouri.
The baritone section is now marching with brand new instruments made possible by the generous donations of TABA members and supporters earlier this year. Thank you again to everyone who contributed to this important effort.
Membership Continues to Grow:
One of the most encouraging developments during the first half of 2026 has been membership growth. The number of former bandsmen with active annual TABA memberships increased from 484 on January 1st to 570 on July 1st, representing 12.7% of all former bandsmen and continuing an impressive yearly growth rate seen over the last 5 years. This figure does not include members of the Class of ’26, who receive a complimentary TABA membership during their first year after graduation.
***When supporters and parents who were not former bandsmen are included, total active TABA membership grew from 608 to 714 members during the first half of the year.***
Current membership by level is:
238 — Active Level ($50/year)
292 — Bugle Rank Level ($100)
100 — Drum Major Level ($250)
62 — Noble Men of Kyle Level ($500)
22 — Director Level ($1,000)
A special shoutout goes to the Class of ’25, which completed its first complimentary year of TABA membership on June 1. An impressive 11.4% of the class now has an active paid membership, making them the only class since the year 2000 to achieve an active membership rate of 10% or more. Our hope is for more Classes to join them in the upcoming months!
If your TABA membership has lapsed, please consider reactivating it. If you are not currently using auto-renew, we encourage you to consider turning it on to help the TABA sustain its financial support year after year. And if you have never been a member, we invite you to join today through the TABA Member Portal.
Looking Ahead:
The first half of 2026 has demonstrated what can be accomplished when former Aggie Bandsmen, families, and supporters come together. The TABA will soon announce an exciting opportunity designed to place our organization in an even stronger long-term position to significantly increase financial support for the FTAB and current cadets for many years to come.
Thank you for your continued support of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and the traditions we all hold so dear.
https://member.tabaonline.com/
https://www.corpsofcadets.org/affiliates/taba.aspx
