Early in June, 1965, members from thirteen local and out–of–town bands, working with Northeast's first band director R.B. Hunger, formed the first 4A Raider Band. Early hours, hard practice and determination preceded the band's first public performance as the official
Austin Aqua Festival Band. Two concerts, one for the dedication of John H. Reagan High School and another for the Texas School Administrators and School Board Convention, kicked off a colorful marching season topped by a Division I Rating in the early November marching contest. Long before Christmas, band members began preparations for
U.I.L. solo and ensemble contest. Their diligence paid off in fifty–six Division I ratings. Immediately, work was begun on the remaining activities: a spring concert, a school–wide assembly, concert contest, awards day and finally, graduation ceremonies. The year ended successfully with a Division I in concert and, as Mr. Hunger said, we had a band that could sight–read like no other! From pep rallies to planting the flower bed to rivalry with the RR's, the first Raider Band showed a spirit and loyalty which proved them to be truly "NOT WITHOUT HONOR". Notes by Susan Osborn The Northeast choir traditionally ended choir concerts, graduation and other school events by singing
"The Lord Bless you and Keep you", by
Peter Lutkin. This tradition began with Northeast's first choir director, Jim Sheppard. Archival footage of the school’s marching band, performing in a 1969 parade in honor of
Apollo 11 astronaut
Neil Armstrong, is seen during the closing credits of
Operation Avalanche, a 2016 film built on the premise of faking the Moon landing portion of the Apollo 11 mission. == Notable alumni ==