Congratulations on an outstanding 2023 Marching Band season!
Linn Mar- 2nd place and Outstanding Winds
Pella- 3rd place and Outstanding Color Guard
State Contest- Division 1 Rating
Valley Showdown- 6th place, Outstanding Drum Majors and Outstanding Soloist
Clinton- 1st place, Outstanding Windes, Outstanding Percussion, Outstanding Drum Majors, and People’s Choice Award
Kennedy High School’s band program includes three concert bands, two jazz bands, and a marching band.
Incoming freshman have a few scheduling options:
- Marching band/color guard or fall concert band (freshmen only) -first semester
- Wind symphony, symphonic band, or concert band -second semester
- Jazz band (optional)
Most incoming ninth graders choose marching band; however, if you feel you are behind on your instrument and/or music reading, concert band is the place for you.
For the second semester you will be placed in one of the three concert bands: wind symphony, symphonic band, or concert band, which is based on chair placement auditions after the marching season ends. When you register for classes, it does not matter which second semester band option you select—just make sure you have one of them on your schedule. We will make sure the counselors schedule you into the correct class before second semester begins.
Band is a full-year course: you must have band in your schedule for both semesters.
Ensembles
Concert Band
The concert band focuses on the basics of instrumental performance through ensemble experiences and individual lessons. This group participates in three concerts throughout the year. Students in this group also participate in small ensembles during the early spring months.
Symphonic Band
The symphonic band focuses on basic instrumental techniques, tone production, music reading skills, and balance/blend. Students in this ensemble will have weekly individual lessons. This group participates in three concerts throughout the year as well as the Iowa High School Music Association’s state large group festival in early May. Students in this group also participate in small ensembles during the early spring months.
Wind Symphony
The wind symphony performs advanced level literature from a variety of styles and genres of instrumental music. Members are expected to exhibit strong instrumental techniques, ensemble, and performance skills. This group participates in three concerts throughout the year as well as the Iowa High School Music Association’s state large group festival in early May. Students in this group also participate in small ensembles during the early spring months.
Marching Band
The marching band performs at all home football games, and competitions and invitationals throughout the state. The marching band is made up of students from all grade levels. Students focus on instrumental techniques, tone production, music reading skills, and body movement.
Jazz One
Jazz one is Kennedy’s auditioned jazz band. It has a set instrumentation that includes trumpets, trombones, saxophones, drum set, bass, guitar, piano, and vibes. Auditions for this group typically take place in September with rehearsals beginning in the fall and running through the end of the school year.
This group competes in three jazz festivals in the winter and performs three to four concerts a year. They also participate in KCCK’s Corridor Jazz Project annually.
Rehearsals for this group take place outside of the school day, but students receive class credit for their participation.
Jazz Two
This group competes in three jazz festivals in the winter and performs three concerts a year. Rehearsals for this ensemble take place outside of the school day, but students receive class credit for their participation.
There is no audition for jazz two. Anyone who participates in the band program is eligible to sign up.
Band frequently asked questions
Is Marching Band required?
No. During the fall semester, freshmen may choose to be in concert band. This requires no extra commitments.
Can freshman participate in marching band if they want to?
Absolutely! Just sign up for Marching Band/Color Guard.
Is there a Band Calendar we can reference?
Click on the button below for the link to the Band Google Calendar.
Band Google Calendar
Can you be in sports and be in band?
Of course! We have swimmers, soccer players, volleyball players, wrestlers, and football players in band. We have had no conflicts we can’t work through.
Are there fees associated with band? Does band cost a lot of money?
There are fees but we provide many fundraisers throughout the year that will more than cover any fees and/or expenses that will come from being in band at Kennedy. We will never turn a student away from participation in the Kennedy band program.
Is it true that marching band takes a lot of time?
Marching band is a class that meets first hour everyday. There are some after-school commitments and different levels of involvement.
How will information be communicated?
The Kennedy band program has many avenues for communication: email via Infinite Campus, Remind for parents and students, GroupMe for students, and online.
What is Kennedy Band Parents, Inc.? How can parents get involved?
Kennedy Band Parents, Inc. is a group made up of all parents of all band students who support the band program through fundraising, volunteering, and adding to the program those things the school district does not fund. They also help the directors with the multitude of tasks necessary to present a premium band program, such as providing meals for the students, chaperoning, and helping with football games, contests, concerts, and carnival.
The group meets the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the band room. If you have questions, you can email Kennedybandparents@gmail.com