The Center High School Roughrider Band, also known as "The Pride of Shelby County," has a rich history of East Texas musical tradition dating back to 1937. Currently under the direction of Chris Smith and Patrick Conn, the 4A program consistently earns first-division ratings in UIL and National Association of Military Marching Bands (NAMMB) competitions. The Rider Band has cultivated a rich legacy of precision military-style marching and has proudly donned for many decades a royal purple with white-trimmed West Point styled band uniform. The Rider Band has been recognized both locally and nationally with performances at East Texas Poultry Festivals, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL., Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., as well as in 1946 an invitation to march in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade. The band program has been fortunate to have many outstanding band directors both past and present that have cultivated a "Tradition of Excellence."