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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