Welcome to our Band Family!

Being a member of the Kellam High School Band is one of the MOST rewarding and memorable experiences you can participate in during High School.

The students and staff of the Kellam Band pride themselves in making meaningful connections to music and performing at the highest levels we are capable of. By joining the Kellam band, you will be joining an organization of which you can feel VERY proud. Below, you will find some information regarding the courses we offer at Kellam HS. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact our Director, Mr. Baker for even more information!

COURSES OFFERED IN 2023-24

This page will hopefully help to answer most of the questions that you and your family may have regarding the band program at Kellam High School.

The Kellam Band is proud to offer a variety of performance ensembles and classes for our students each year. To learn more about these classes, ensembles, and our Parent Support Organization, please contact Mr. Baker!

Kellam Winds (Symphonic Wind Ensemble)
Kellam Jazz Ensemble
Music Theory 1&2
Guitar 1&2
Kellam Marching Knights (KMK) - Co-Curricular
Musical Pit Orchestra - Co-Curricular

Kellam Winds

The Kellam Wind Ensemble is the premiere Concert Band at Kellam High School and is made up of Advanced and Intermediate level instrumentalists (Winds and Percussion). This ensemble and the student’s placement in the Advanced or Intermediate level is determined based upon teacher recommendation and student achievement.

The Wind Ensemble is a performance-based class and will perform extensively over the course of the school year. ALL PERFORMANCES AND REHEARSALS ARE REQUIRED. Students in this class are expected to achieve highly at the VBODA ALL Musical Grade levels, though most performances will consist of grade levels 4, 5, and 6.

Kellam Jazz

The Kellam Jazz Ensemble is one of the most highly sought after programs in Virginia Beach, and is made up of our most Advanced instrumentalists (Winds and Percussion). This ensemble and the student’s placement is determined based upon teacher recommendation, student achievement, and instrument availability.

The Jazz Ensemble is a performance-based class and will perform extensively over the course of the school year. ALL PERFORMANCES AND REHEARSALS ARE REQUIRED.

Students in this class will perform in a traditional, Big Band-Era with consistent, period-appropriate instrumentation. The Jazz Ensemble is generally intended to be an additional course offering and is not intended to supplement a student's traditional (concert) Ensemble course. Students will gain authentic learning opportunities as they perform and tour extensively throughout the Hampton Roads area.

AVAILABILITY FOR NEXT YEAR'S ENSEMBLE

WE ARE CURRENTLY EXPECTING VACANCIES FOR EVERY SECTION! Spots are available in the following sections:

WIND SECTION

Saxophone - Alto, Tenor, Bari
Trombone
Trumpet

RHYTHM SECTION

Drum Set
Piano
Electric Guitar
Bass

Please contact Mr. Baker if you are interested in auditioning for the Jazz Ensemble!

Marching Knights

Despite being a Co-curricular activity, becoming a Marching Knight is one of the BEST decisions YOU can make while at Kellam! The Marching Knights are the MOST VISIBLE part of our program. As such, Marching Knights act as Ambassadors for all of Kellam HS in our community, and enjoy a rich tradition of excellence while doing so! The legacy of our signature "Kellam Sound" has earned high regard from our friends across the Commonwealth and beyond!

How do I join the Marching Knights?

Each year in the Spring, the Kellam High School Band will host a Meet and Greet to introduce all of our programs to rising 9th graders. You will receive information at this meeting that will be useful in making your decision to join the Marching Knights.

ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS ARE WELCOME!!! All you need is a positive attitude and a strong desire to learn! We'll take care of the rest!

A student who is new to Kellam can also contact Mr. Baker, for additional information.

What is the time commitment for Marching Band?

Typically, the Marching Knights will meet in the evenings for one week in July, (see calendar on the Band App, specific dates will be out soon), 2 weeks in August from 8AM to 6PM (all day), and a third week in August from 5PM to 9PM in the evening. Once school begins, the Marching Knights rehearse during the week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3PM until 6PM, during marching season. This usually lasts until early November. The Marching Knights perform at all home football games (Friday nights), 2 to 3 Parades (on average a year), and travel, locally and across the Commonwealth, on the weekends to Shows during the Competitive Season.

What is Band Camp?

Band Camp is a very important part of the Marching Knights' success each season. Much of the Band’s season show is learned during these weeks. Therefore, it is IMPERATIVE that each marcher attends this camp. Camp is usually held in July/August (see above). Specific information regarding Band Camp as well as the Season schedule can be found on the Band Calendar, located on the HOME page of the website.

Music Theory 1&2

If you're a future composer, song-writer, or music enthusiast, THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU!!!

Students who enroll in Music Theory will explore the written elements of music by studying integrated aspects of melody, harmony, rhythm, form, analysis, and composition. Emphasis is placed on reading and writing musical notation, developing aural skills such as listening and taking dictation, sight-singing, and using the keyboard. Students recognize, describe, and apply the basic materials and processes of music through an integrated approach, which includes aural, written, creative, and analytical components. Students address these basic concepts by listening to and analyzing a wide variety of music, including standard Western tonal music, contemporary art music, jazz, popular music, and world music.

No prior musical training is required to take this course, though it does help.

Guitar 1,2,&3

This semester course is designed for students with limited, and/or no previous guitar experience. Students will receive instruction on correct platform, nomenclature, basic performance techniques, major and minor scales, chords, basic rhythm note reading, aural skills, flat picking, singing songs, rhythmic patterns, chord study, finger picking styles, musical forms and improvisation and strumming patterns. Students will perform as soloists and in small and large group ensembles. Students will learn about the history and origin of guitar and will learn a variety of music repertoire, incorporating different styles, skills, and techniques. Students are expected to furnish their own acoustic instrument.

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​Welcome to our Band Family!