In the Kearney High School band program we strive to offer the best and highest quality ensembles around. While all the ensembles we offer are important the concert band is at the core of what we do.
Wind Ensemble
This group is the top performing ensemble in the Kearney High School band program. The music is difficult and musical independence is a must. The Wind Ensemble is open to students in grades 10-12, with performances throughout the school year. Participation in marching band and pep band is a requirement for this class.
Symphonic Band
This group is open to all KHS instrumentalists and explores a slightly easier repertoire than Wind Ensemble. However, musical excellence and hard work are musts as we strive for great performance every time we play together. Members are also required to participate in the marching band and the pep band. Symphonic Band is open to students in 9th- 12th grade.
Concert Band
This ensemble is a chance for younger students to continue to develop and refine his/her skills as an instrumentalist. While the performance standards of this group remain high the literature will be slightly easier than the other groups. There will also be opportunity for students in Concert Band to gain jazz experience through out the year. Concert Band is open to students in grades 9-11. Participation in marching band and pep band is a requirement for this class.
Jazz Lab Band
This group is the entry-level group for students wishing to gain experience in a jazz group. The class provides students the opportunity to become familiar with jazz basics in playing demands, styles, and techniques. Although the group will perform at concerts and some community events, the course objective is to teach students a basic fundamental knowledge of how to read, understand, and play jazz music and a rudimental understanding of the history of jazz. Students must be enrolled in either Concert Band or Symphonic Band or have special permission from the instructor.
Jazz Ensemble
The next level of the jazz experience in the KHS band program. Students will be expected to perform difficult music at a high level and have an opportunity to play throughout the community. Subjects covered will be a variety of musical styles, jazz harmony and theory, improvisation, and jazz history. Jazz band is open to 11th and 12th graders and is limited to traditional jazz band instrumentation. Members of the jazz band will be required to be enrolled in marching band and one of the concert bands. Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the director.
Marching Band
The marching band serves as an educational tool to teach students the challenge of marching and playing as while improving basic instrumental technique. It also represents the KHS band program at band competitions, parades, and home football games. This ensemble meets from 6:30-7:45 every morning during the 1st quarter. Each year we will put on a show for all home football games and compete in several statewide competitions. Attendance at band camp in early August is mandatory. Marching band is open to students in grades 9-12 and it is required that a student be enrolled in marching band AND a performing ensemble at Kearney High.
Percussion Techniques
Percussion Technique is a class designed to engage and grow the developing percussionist. Subjects covered will range from marching percussion to 4 mallet technique and everything in between. Perc. Tech. will meet during the 1st semester only and will take the place of the students concert band class during that semester. Students will then join their assigned concert band second semester.
Pep Band
A great chance to have fun playing music and encouraging our sports teams at KHS. Rehearsals will be worked into the regular band day and participation is a must for all KHS band members. There will be two equal but separate bands, the Blue Band and the Gold Band, and the two groups will equally split the time commitments. If a student needs to miss a given pep band performance then he or she will need to find a substitute from the other band.
AP Music Theory
An upper-level course for students interested in pursuing music at the college level or who have a strong desire to get more into the theory behind music. Topics will include music theory, harmonic and melodic dictation, analysis, and much more. Music Theory is offered as a block course in the second semester. Students will have the opportunity to take the AP Music Theory Exam and have a chance to earn college credit through the process.
Color Guard
This group is a part of the Bearcat Marching Band and rehearses with the band during the morning marching band rehearsals. There is also a required practice(s) outside the school day that will be determined by the group before school starts. Color Guard is open to anyone in the school. Attendance at all marching band performances is required.