Students in the Ryan band program audition for placement in three concert ensembles: Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band.   Membership in the groups is based upon audition. Students are assigned to the ensemble that best fits their individual development and the instrumental needs of the respective ensemble.

     Students in the Wind Symphony are those who demonstrate the highest degree of musicianship and the ability to learn the most challenging wind band literature. The Symphonic Band is the non-varsity 1st band in the Ryan band program. The Symphonic Band performs high quality band literature that challenges students to develop their musical abilities.   The Concert Band is the non-varsity 2nd band in the Ryan band program and is comprised of students who need to further develop their fundamental performance skills. A majority of the Ryan band students also take private lessons through the Denton ISD private lesson program. In private lessons, students study one-on-one with a professional teacher-performer with expertise specific to his/her instrument. All three bands perform concerts at Ryan High School and the local University of North Texas. The Ryan bands have consistently been awarded 1st place and “Best in Class” awards at national festivals as well as UIL Sweepstakes and 1st Division ratings at Concert and Sight-reading Contests. The Wind Symphony has also advanced to the Area level in the TMEA Honor Band competition. The Wind Symphony, under the direction of Mary Brown, was named a “National Winner” by the Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors Competition. Many Raider Band members consistently earn 1st Division ratings in UIL Solo and Ensemble contests. Students in the Ryan band program have earned positions in the TMEA All-State and All-Region Bands and have been selected as members of various Drum and Bugle Corps and International Touring Bands during the summer months.

     Membership in the concert bands offers valuable aesthetic education. As members of the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band, students continue to develop and polish their musical skills in tone, technique, and sight-reading. They grow as musicians through ensemble performance and individual skill development. They also learn valuable life skills such as leadership, cooperation, time management, and organization.

     The Ryan band program also helps to prepare students who may be interested in performing in college bands or even pursuing a career in music. Graduates of the Ryan band program have received scholarships to perform in college bands and many have even gone on to choose music as a career. Ryan Raider Band alumni have been members of ensembles at schools such as the University of North Texas, the Eastman School of Music, Cincinnati Conservatory, Michigan State University, Baylor University, Texas Tech University, the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Louisiana State University, UCLA, Stephen F. Austin, Texas A&M-Commerce, West Texas A&M, Trinity University, Indiana University, and others. Ryan Raider Band alumni in the music profession are music teachers, band directors, and performers including those in U.S. Military Bands.