The UTSA Boom Squad at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), is a vibrant and innovative chamber music group that has become a cornerstone of the university's School of Music since its formal establishment in 2009. Comprising talented music majors, minors, and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds, the Boom Squad performs a dynamic repertoire that blends classical standards, contemporary compositions, and daring transcriptions, often featuring original works crafted by its own members.
From its inception, the Boom Squad has prioritized both campus vitality and external outreach. As one of UTSA's flagship chamber ensembles alongside groups like the Percussion Ensemble and Mariachi Viejitos, it performs regularly in the university's Recital Hall and contributes to larger School of Music events. Off-campus, the group has electrified audiences at prestigious venues, including a standout appearance at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Convention in 2023, where alumni like Finley Farrar from Southwest ISD's Legacy High School joined forces with current members for a rousing set. Other highlights include a memorable collaboration with the San Antonio Symphony in March 2022, where the Boom Squad bookended the orchestra's program—an "honor" that left members buzzing with pride, as shared in their lively social media posts. The ensemble's infectious energy shines through in its online presence, particularly on Instagram (@utsa_boomsquad) and X (@utsa_boomsquad), where posts blend rehearsal glimpses, NFT-inspired memes, and announcements for events like their annual studio recitals.
By 2025, the Boom Squad has matured into a model of student empowerment and low-brass excellence, with iterations performing at regional tuba-euphonium conferences and inspiring future educators. Its members—often juggling studies in performance, education, and composition—have gone on to secure spots in professional ensembles, military bands, and graduate programs, carrying forward the "boom" of UTSA's legacy. In an era where brass music thrives on reinvention, The UTSA Boom Squad stands as a testament to the thunderous potential of community, creativity, and those gloriously deep tones that resonate long after the final note fades. https://www.facebook.com/utsa.boomsquad
A vibrant collection of original compositions and skillfully crafted transcriptions, both penned and led by the talented members of The UTSA Boom Squad, a dynamic Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble, showcasing their musical creativity and leadership.
