From the Directors

Hello Friends!

Reflecting back on the nearly 15 years I have spent at KHS I am so proud and thrilled about the opportunities that the KHS band program has provided for our students. We have performed at the NMEA and NSBA conventions, we have traveled to Washington D.C, New York City, Nashville, Chicago, Branson and Germany and the Czech Republic! We have won numerous awards, 1st places, superior ratings, and accolades from critics and supporters alike. We have 10 or more members in the All State bands almost every year and many other honor bands across the state. We have had students that have gone on to play in college, some who majored in music and are now teaching or doing music in their communities. We have students who have done meaningful outreach with our Harmony Bridge program in retirement homes around the area. We bring the noise at basketball, volleyball, and football games. We ROCK the gym for pep rallies. We have done a lot and this next year is going to be another great year of adding to the great work of those who have come before you.

You are a part of something that is bigger than yourself. You are a part of a tradition that goes back more than 100 years. Thousands of young men and women have come before you and worn the title of KHS band member with honor. I encourage you to also think of the commitment you are about to make as an honor. One that you can wear with pride because you are a part of something special!

I have such a positive vibe about this band this next year. I am pumped! I hope you are too! Let’s get to work! – See you soon!

Mr. LeFeber

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Hey Band,

What an exciting time to be a part of the Kearney High Band. We are just coming off a very successful tour of Germany and the Czech Republic. Our students had some incredible experiences and gave three outstanding performances for very appreciative audiences. Our music department was just awarded the Exemplary Program Award by the Nebraska Music Education Association. This was the 9th award given in the 25 year history of this award. The energy and enthusiasm surrounding the band program is almost uncontainable! We are ready to get things rolling for the 24-25 season with our upcoming 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.

We have a really exciting show planned for this year. DRAGONS features exciting music and the potential for some amazing visual moments. We have been working with the creative team to come up with a show that will be fun to perform and an exciting and memorable show for audiences as well. We are looking to highlight dragon myths from Asian, South American, and Australian cultures. The result will be a joy for the eyes and the ears.

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 soon

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 My Music Office 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, first at the end of June, and the second mid-August. The link will be coming out soon by email.

Mandatory Student Wear

Each student needs to have:

• blue band polo
• white gloves
• marching band shoes

Freshmen and new students will need to purchase these items. Please check your email with more info on how to order. If purchasing these items creates an issue for your family please contact a band director and we will try to help. Every student needs these items. This should be completed by the end of the 2nd Week of Band Camp.