MARCHING & CONCERT
The Marching & Concert Band is a performing group open to all students in grades 9-12 who play a wind or percussion instrument. Band encompasses both marching band and concert band; the two are a single course that meets Block 1 year-round. During the late summer and fall, the band functions as the marching band. Advance preparation for this is accomplished through practicing for a week during summer at required band camp. In addition, the band performs the pre-game or half time show at all football games.
The band also participates in pep rallies, school assemblies, community events, and local community parades as well as neighboring community parades as the season and the director determines.
During the remainder of the year, the group functions as the Concert Band presenting several concerts during the school year, in particular, one during the winter holiday season, and two during the spring term. Community performances may also be scheduled. Performance literature is drawn from all periods and encompasses every type and style within the competency levels of high school musicians. KCK District Concert Band, KSMEA District, Regional, State Band Festivals, and local Honor Band Festivals provide an opportunity to showcase our highly talented students in their pursuit of excellence.
This course is designed to teach students the technical music skills of their respective instrument and musicianship/sight-reading skills involved in the large and small group performance of the art. The student will gain a historical and stylistic perspective of the music he/she is studying. Marching skills and movement to music will also be taught during the fall season.
8TH
The 8th Grade Concert Band offers members the opportunity for continued and sequential skill development and large ensemble playing experience in preparation for moving on into the 9-12th grade program. 8th Grade Band is a single course that meets Block 2 year-round. Music performed continues advancing in complexity and requires greater technical facility, more interdependence of parts and higher-level listening skills to perform.
JAZZ
Jazz band focuses on the performance, study, and development of music written specifically for the Jazz band. Due to the difficulty of the music and the demands on the performer, this class should be considered as an advanced ensemble. Students in Jazz band will be required to perform in a variety of events throughout the school year. The ability to read music is considered essential to this class.
All Jazz band students - unless performing on specialty instruments such as guitar, bass, or piano - must be concurrently enrolled in Concert Band at Sumner to be eligible for participation.