From the Directors

Hello Band!

I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying a well-deserved summer break AND a huge welcome to the incoming freshman class. 2026 is going to be the largest KHS Band in my 15 years of teaching here as well as the largest freshman class we have had in a LONG time. There is a lot to be hopeful for and the future looks bright for the KHS Band.

However, this bright future will only come about with your continued
commitment to each other and to developing your craft and skill on your instrument. Studying an instrument has tremendous benefit for you and those around you.

I recently was made aware of an amazing podcast called “Meth, Fentanyl, and the Power of Hard Work Without Fanfare” from the podcast 2% with Michael Easter. Michael sits down with investigative journalist and author Sam Quinones.

The conversation explores how heroin, fentanyl, and synthetic meth have devastated American communities, particularly by being cheaper and more chemically potent than ever before. Quinones highlights how Mexican cartels shifted from plant-based drugs to synthetic ones, unintentionally fueling a schizophrenia crisis alongside the overdose and homelessness epidemic.

Quinones shares from his research that the unexpected “Antidote” can be found in the marching band (and specifically the tuba) as a powerful anti-drug. He argues that the discipline and community required for such an activity offer a way out of (or never begin) modern addiction.

He goes on to say that finding fulfillment through steady, unglamorous effort rather than seeking instant gratification or fame help keep people away from the destructive lure of drugs. As well as how the band can help keep us plugged into a positive community, working together, and all striving for a better, more fulfilling life.

Our 2026 Show, Icarus, 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 opportunity. I can’t wait to see you all in the band room in July!

Enjoy your summer!

Mr. LeFeber

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Yo Band 👀,

Hope y’all are actually touching grass this summer and not just doomscrolling 💀. Whether you’re out here traveling, vibing with friends and fam, grinding sports, or just chilling with a book like a lowkey scholar 📚—W. Whatever your summer arc looks like, make sure you’re recharging your batteries fr. School year be moving like a boss fight on max difficulty, so this is your time to respawn and regain HP ⚡

BUT ALSO…👀 don’t forget what’s loading…

BAND CAMP IS COMING. 🎺🔥

No cap, the entire season’s success is built on the vibes we set at band camp. This is where the culture drops. We’re talking building squads, forming elite-level friendships, and locking in that championship mindset 🏆. This is where we decide: are we mid… or are we THAT band.

We’re about:

• stepping up as leaders 💯
• locking in until it’s perfect 🎯
• not settling for anything less than straight excellence 🚫🗑

But fr, the biggest W? The people. Band camp is where you meet your new besties, reconnect with your day ones, and make memories that hit different.

Now listen up 👇
If you don’t wanna get folded at camp, there are things you gotta do RIGHT NOW:

PRACTICE YOUR INSTRUMENT
Like please. We’re gonna be playing a TON and it’s way more fun when your chops aren’t in shambles 💀

GO OUTSIDE AND MOVE YOUR BODY
Log off TikTok. Close Snapchat. The reels will still be there. Your endurance might not be 😭

Also… Ricardio is already training 😤
Don’t let him down. He believes in you. He loves you. Actually.

Alright that’s it.

See you in June… be ready 👀🔥

— Mr. Mitchell

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Band Camp Information

Band Parent Association Directory

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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.