Incoming Freshmen Information
Hello!
We’re glad you are considering band in high school, and we are very excited about the coming year. This page has helpful information to aide in your planning.
If you missed our Marching Band Kickoff meeting, please visit the Marching Knights Page for information! Also, please complete this contact form to make sure you receive emails about high school band.
Great Reasons to do band in high school:
1. The joy of making great music with great people!
2. Be a part of excellence! The Kaneland Band takes a lot of pride in our organization.
3. Perform at many exciting events including sports events, concerts, and parades.
4. Learn life skills like team building, and how to fit into a large organization.
5. Travel Opportunities! The band has frequently gone to Disney World and other places!
6. Colleges like to see well rounded students.
7. Make your closest friends.
... and so much more!
Click here for a taste of what High School Band Looks Like!
Kaneland High School Band Frequently Asked Questions
What Class do I register for?
Freshmen wind players enroll in Concert Band. Freshmen percussionists enroll in Band Percussion Ensemble. Here is a sample schedule to see how you can fit band into your schedule next year.
Can freshmen play in Jazz band?
Kaneland has two Jazz groups. Jazz Ensemble meets as a class in the school day and is selected by audition. Jazz auditions for Jazz Ensemble will be done via video, and will be due February 10th. Audition information and music is available on the band website under the "2023-24 Ensemble Auditions" tab. Jazz Lab is a non-audition jazz group that meets after school during 2nd semester and performs at the annual Percussion/Jazz concert in March.
How does Marching Band work?
This is by far the most asked question by incoming freshmen. Marching Band is required for all Kaneland Band students, and it consists of a Competitive & Non-Competitive band. Students who are in a fall sport, or have a significant medical condition, can choose to participate in the non-competitive portion of Marching Band. If you are in a fall sport and want to be in the full competitive Marching Band, please email Mr. Brooks. Students who do band in high school rank Marching Band as one of their best parts of their year!
How much time does band take?
Marching Band officially begins with Band Camp at the end of July, however we do hold a mini-camp in May along with Competitive-only rehearsals in July. When school starts, Marching Band meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm, and Mondays from 3 to 4:30pm (sectionals). The marching band performs at all home varsity football games, 4 area parades, and at 5 marching competitions. Marching band season lasts through October. Please click here forthe 2024 Marching Band schedule for all dates.
Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble rehearse during school and have minimal after school commitments; Three concerts and three dress rehearsals and possibly an off-campus performance in the Spring semester. Band members also play at selected basketball games during the winter. They also have the opportunity to do solo and ensemble performance as well as other small group volunteer playing opportunities.
How much does it cost?
There is a cost associated with Band Camp. This fee covers staff, field show music/drill, contest fees, our informal uniform (Marching Knights Shirt), Competition Show Shirt, Uniform expenses, and other supplies. Students also make the one time purchase of a concert band book, marching shoes, and any instrument-specific item. The fee for 2024 is $195 for Competitive Students and $75 for Non Competitive Students.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, and we're looking forward to having you join our KHS Band family next year!!