From the Directors

Hello Friends!

I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying a well-deserved summer break! What a great school year we all had last year. The performances you all gave, the growth of musicianship, the fun trips, the relationships formed, and so much more! You all did some fantastic things! We have a great year planned for the 2025-2026 school year too. We have one of the largest freshman classes coming into the band as well as our next band trip to Austin, Texas! It is going to be an incredible year to be a Bearcat!

As I get older (insert old man joke here!) I have more years to compare the present against. How will this year compare to those of the past? How hardworking are the students now comparatively? Are we more or less busy than we were 20 years ago? Are we doing the right things with our time?

All of these questions are eventually answered each and every day. A favorite artist of mine, Chris Rice, has a song ‘Life Means So Much’ that goes, “Everyday is a gift, you’ve been given. Make the most of the time, every minute you’re living.” I hope that will describe your approach to each and every day this next school year.

What will you need to do to make the MOST of every minute you have? Sometimes that may mean resting. Sometimes that will be turning off the phone and doing something real. Sometimes that might mean hitting the books or the practice room hard, or going for a walk, or telling someone what you love about them. It will be different for each of you each day. But whatever it looks like for you, I encourage you to be purposeful with your time and engage in the now.

Our 2025 Show, ‘Through the Trees,’ is going to be a great show. You all are going to be a great band. Lives are going to be enriched and changed this next school year. Let’s commit to each other to be a positive, encouraging, and dynamic force as we make the most of every minute we’re livin’. I can’t wait to see you all in the band room in July!

Enjoy your summer!

Mr. LeFeber

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Hey Band,

As summer approaches, we’re gearing up for one of the most exciting times of the year — band camp! Once camp begins, the marching season is officially underway, bringing with it the thrill of football games, competitions, crisp fall air, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Our success as a program begins long before we step onto the field. The foundation of a championship season is built during the summer, at band camp. This is where we define our culture, strengthen our values, and set the tone for excellence. Leadership, discipline, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of the highest standards—these are not just expectations; they are traditions. But above all, what makes our band truly special is the quality of the relationships formed within it. Band camp is about connecting with old friends, welcoming new ones, and growing together as one united team.

We’re especially excited about this year’s show: “Through the Trees.” Inspired by The Wizard of Oz and featuring the iconic tune Over the Rainbow, this production will take us — and our audiences — on a journey full of artistic and visual creativity. It promises to be a powerful, imaginative, and unforgettable experience.

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 browse this website or log into SignUp Genius 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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KHS Music Lesson Program

We’re excited to once again offer optional 20-minute music lessons this year! Lessons will be taught by highly qualified instructors and cost $20 per session. There will be opportunities to sign up each term throughout the school year. This is one of the best ways to grow as a musician, so we strongly encourage you to watch for the email and take advantage of this great opportunity!

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.

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.

Your students will bring home information about
ordering and paying for these different shirts.

Spirit Wear Order

The Band will offer at least one spirit wear purchasing opportunity this summer — watch your inbox for details. Purchasing spirit wear is optional.

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.