From the Directors

Research has shown us time and time again that participation in quality music classes while in school benefits students in all arenas of life. From mental health to academic success, it helps to prepare students for life and helps them become lifelong learners. The Kearney High Band is one such program and it is only possible because of the students and parents that continue to pour their efforts into our success. Thank you!

Our show this year surrounds this famous quote by Teddy Roosevelt in 1910, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds… and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Let this be your challenge this year. Don’t settle for less than your best effort in your classes, don’t settle for mediocrity in your playing of your instrument, and don’t let unresolved conflict have any place in your life. Try. You may fail but then get up and try again. You can do this. This year can and will be your best year yet. Be the person you, 25 years from now, will be proud of. Be the person that does something with their time this year. Let’s have a great year!

Mr. LeFeber

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Hey Band,

I hope you are all finding time to do the things you love in life over the summer. You may be traveling, connecting with friends and family, playing sports, or just relaxing with a good book. Whatever it is for you, make sure you are getting time to recharge your batteries. Life is so hectic during the school year so it’s important to take some time during the summer to do that. I also hope you are looking forward with anticipation for all the great things that will happen next year, and it all starts with BAND CAMP.

The main factor that determines our success is the quality of our culture and band camp is where it all begins. Building relationships, cultivating championship values, and setting the tone for excellence for the year all happen in the weeks during the summer. Things like stepping out in leadership, working together until things are perfect, not settling for anything less than the very best are things that are hallmarks of what we do. But perhaps the most important part of our band’s culture is the quality of the relationships that are formed. Band camp is about meeting new people, catching up with old friends, and creating great memories.

Our show theme for this year really embodies some of the ideals we hold dear in the Kearney High Band. In “ARENA” we will convey the idea that the credit goes to the people that show up. It’s not about being perfect all the time but about putting yourself out there to achieve something that you have never done before. There will be setbacks, but ultimately you will be better for your efforts than if you had just stayed home. This is a beautiful picture of what being in band and playing an instrument are all about.

There are things you can do right now that will make your band camp experience the best it can be. Most importantly you can PRACTICE your instrument. We will be doing a lot of playing and you will enjoy that much more if your chops are in shape. Also, turn off your TikToks and Snapchats and go get some exercise. Ricardio is already training so don’t disappoint him. Remember, he loves you! See you in June!!

Mr. Mitchell

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Band Camp Information

Band Parent Association Directory

Nathan LeFeber, Director
Rick Mitchell, Director

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Band Parents

The KHS Band Parents Association exists to support the directors, students, and band program. Any parent who has a student in the band is a voting member of the Association. The ‘support’ for the program is offered in a variety of ways. You might volunteer to be a bus sponsor, chair a fundraising event, or even become an officer. Parents can log into Charms and select any of these in the interest sections of the parents tab.

We look forward to working with each of you!

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Parents: Snacks for Camp

Camp Week 1: Each family is asked to bring a case of water. Please deliver to the band room.

Camp Week 2: Each family is asked to send snacks for breaks during camp. Please provide at the beginning of camp. We suggest fresh fruit (grapes, orange slices, cut-up melons—please leave on rinds), cookies, bars, muffins, breads, granola bars, string cheese, or Gogurt. We also appreciate individual packets of Lemonade mix that can be used in water bottles.

**Fresh fruit is VERY popular and we always run out! Very much appreciated it if you can bring fruit! **

Please avoid sending anything with peanuts or tree nuts due to allergies. A Signup Genius will be sent out by email for volunteers.

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Bearcat Band Schedule

While there are possibilities for times and dates to change, all schedule information can be found on this website.

Marching Uniform

Each student will be issued a band uniform during the first week of band camp. More information about how it must be worn and how to care for it can be found on the Uniform page.

Student T-shirts

All student T-shirt purchases are optional. Each year prior to the marching season, a shirt is designed by the Drum Majors to represent the show’s theme. This shirt makes a great memento of the season and can be worn under the uniform. Some instrument sections (example: trumpets) also order their own student-designed sectional t-shirts. Again, these shirts are low cost and a great memento.

Please keep in mind that all t-shirts are optional. Section T-shirts are handled exclusively by the section leaders and not by the directors or drum majors.

Spirit Wear Order

Spirit Wear orders will be made through the Saylor website. There will be two orders, June 30th – July 15th, and August 31st – Sept 15th. The link will be coming out soon by email.

Charms Store

Each student needs to have:

• blue band polo
• white gloves
• marching band shoes

Freshmen and new students will need to purchase these items. This can be done through the Charms Store. You can pay with a credit card or you can use “bill and pay” and bring in cash or check if you prefer. Every student needs these items. If money is an issue then please reach out to a band director and we can help. The deadline is August 5th.