The Manatee High School Bands have continued a long tradition of superior marching, concert and jazz bands at both the district and state levels of evaluation. Over the years, the Marching 'Canes have performed at Disney World; Universal Studios; Six Flags Over Georgia; the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Parade in Winchester, Virginia; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Richmond, Virginia; and toured Williamsburg, Virginia and Washington, D.C. In 2003 the band marched in the London, England New Year's Day Parade! In 1992 the Marching 'Canes were honored by performing for President George H.W. Bush, and in 2003 the band was invited to perform for Florida Governor Jeb Bush. This past spring, The Marching 'Canes performed for the 2006 Edinburgh, Scotland Easter Festival!

The Wind Ensemble is the advanced concert band at Manatee High. The band has performed throughout Florida and has earned all superior ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association's District Band Festivals for eighteen consecutive years.

The Jazz Ensembles are consistently sought after to perform at many local functions, including sixteen consecutive years for the Golden Herald Awards! Both jazz bands have performed at the University of Florida Jazz Festival, and Jazz Band One has also performed at the University of North Florida Jazz Festival in Jacksonville. Jazz Band One has had the privilege over the years of performing with the Leon Merian Jazz Band, internationally renowned trumpeter Ron Modell, Los Angeles recording artist Gary Grant, and world class pianist Lillette Jenkins-Wisner!

The band program at Manatee High School serves over 200 students and receives outstanding support from its parent organization, "The Manatee Band and Auxiliary Booster Association." The band program is part of a successful music department that serves 25% of the population of Manatee High School offering more than 15 courses in instrumental, vocal and general music.