Orchestra Leader Elizabeth Brady took Austin High ' s classical musicians to a very high level during her years at Austin High. Under her baton, the orchestra was again and again recognized as an outstanding orchestra in the state, several times performing for the Texas Association of Music Educators. When the Orchestra Hall became available after the construction of the PAC, there was no doubt in the minds of these musicians that it should be named to remember Elizabeth Brady.
The PAC also includes the Corkey Robinson Band Hall. It is named after long-time band director La Falco " Corkey " Robinson, who served Austin High from 1961 until 1988. The plaque commemorating the naming of the band hall was placed in Spring 2006.
One special memory from the past is the twelve inch wooden cameo of Stephen F. Austin, carved in the 1930s by Peter Mansbendel. Since it is so reminiscent of the magnificent cameos carved by Mansbendel in the University of Texas Main Building Library, many suggest it was carved at the same time. It was given to Austin High by Mr. and Mrs. Gary Bray in memory of their son who died an untimely death in 1948. It is located near the principal ' s office.
Another wood carving by Peter Mansbendel is the " Library " carving located on the north wall of the library. Librarian, Miss Alice Harrison, purchased it in 1930, with funds raised from library book fines.
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