Denton ISD Celebrates 20 Years of Sounds of the Stadium
Hundreds of Denton ISD student musicians took the field at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex on October 1 to celebrate the 20th annual Sounds of the Stadium Band Show. From middle school ensembles to the district’s four high school marching bands, the milestone event highlighted the talent, dedication, and artistry of students across the district.
What began 20 years ago as a concert-style performance inside the University of North Texas Coliseum has grown into Denton ISD’s largest fine arts event. In its early years, Denton, Guyer, Ryan, and the UNT Green Brigade performed music from the floor of the Coliseum. Soon after, leaders from both Denton ISD and UNT worked together to move the show to C.H. Collins, allowing full marching productions on the field and middle school ensembles to perform from the stands. That collaboration cemented the strong community partnership that continues today, with UNT providing support for transportation and returning each year as the grand finale act.
This year’s program followed that tradition, with middle school bands filling the stands before Braswell, Denton, Guyer, and Ryan high schools took the field to present their 2025 shows. The University of North Texas Green Brigade once again capped the evening before joining all four high school bands for a powerful combined finale, filling the stadium with one unified sound.
“Sounds of the Stadium has grown into one of our district’s most beloved traditions, bringing together thousands of families, alumni, and community members each year,” said Eddy Russell, Denton ISD Director of Fine Arts. “To reach the 20-year milestone is a testament to the hard work of our students and directors, and to the community’s unwavering support of music education. This year’s performance not only honored our history and our partnership with the University of North Texas but also showcased the bright future of fine arts in Denton ISD.”
Adding to the full-circle nature of the celebration, current UNT Green Brigade Director Dr. Amy Woody has her own ties to the event. She first experienced Sounds of the Stadium as a Guyer High School assistant director when it was still at the Coliseum, then helped usher the transition to C.H. Collins as head director at Guyer. Now, she continues the tradition from the university side, reinforcing UNT’s role as a trusted partner in keeping the event alive.
“It is a privilege for the Green Brigade to stand alongside Denton ISD’s students and directors each year,” said Dr. Amy Woody. “This event is special because it not only showcases outstanding performances but also highlights the lasting partnership between our university and the district. Having been part of this tradition from the very beginning, it is incredibly meaningful to now lead the Green Brigade as we celebrate the event’s 20th year.”
Over two decades, Sounds of the Stadium has become more than a concert — it is a community gathering that unites students, families, and partners in support of music education. All proceeds from the event, along with encouraged donations, go directly to supporting Denton ISD’s band programs, ensuring students continue to have access to high-quality music education and performance opportunities.
For more information about Denton ISD Fine Arts programs, visit www.dentonisd.org/finearts.
