New and continuing Kearney High School students often have questions about participating in the arts programs. Below you will find many of the regularly asked questions specific to the KHS Band programs.
Remember when your children wouldn’t eat the food you made for them? You always said, “Try it before you decide you don’t like it.” Music is the same way. You should sign up for music even if you are unsure. If at some point you decide that music is not for you, drop the class. It is much easier to drop something after trying it, than to join late when you decide you miss it.
While the actual act of playing your instrument is similar, the social network and safety net that high school music provides is very different from junior high. From day one, your child will be musically and personally mentored by successful upperclassmen who have a vested interest in their success. They will have dozens of new and like-minded friends before school even begins and have experiences (Friday night football games and trips) that are unlike anything they have experienced in junior high.
YES! There might be occasional conflicts, but know that our faculty works hard to resolve as many conflicts as possible before they occur and to work collaboratively to solve them when they arise. We want students to be well rounded.
The many ensembles have different requirements for participation. Some ensembles require very little (less than standard homework) while other ensembles require more substantial commitment. Generally, the greater the level of commitment, the greater the reward and memories. Regardless of the ensemble, a year-long calendar will be provided well in advance to help you plan for these events.
The costs associated with music depend on which ensembles your child participates in and what events they participate in. The music boosters and staff work together to provide fundraising opportunities for each and every child and ensure that no one is excluded due to financial issues.
All incoming students should register for Marching Band and Concert Band. In addition because of our pairing of music classes students have the opportunity to sign up for Concert Choir, which for most of the year meets the same time band does.
We wish funds were available for us to provide every child with an instrument, however, this is simply not possible. The school provides many of the larger and more expensive instruments. We encourage students playing smaller, less expensive instruments to either rent or purchase their own instrument. We will not let instrument availability or financial constraints keep your child from participating. More information regarding instrument availability will be mailed as the new school year approaches.
Please know that we are here to answer any and all questions that you may have. Due to the busy nature of our program, it is difficult to contact us by phone. The best way for you to reach us is through email. This will allow us to respond to your query, whether you are available by phone or not.
You may use the form below to send any of the directors an email:
The Band Directors are happy to answer any questions you may have about the Kearney High School Band program. Please fill out the form, and one of them will be in contact with you soon!