2020-21

The PHS instrumental music program provides students a variety of opportunities in which to perform throughout the year, both outdoors and indoors and in diverse settings to unique audiences. This year, those opportunities will look different, but they'll be no less meaningful. Announcements will be made to band students and parents via the Remind app, by email, and by Facebook.

​Questions? Email Cooper Neil at cneil (at) usd250.org

Below, a taste of what a "normal" year looks like in the PHS instrumental music program:

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PHS football games

The school year kicks off with preparation for pre-game and halftime shows during marching season. After a one-week summer band camp in August, students begin 7 a.m. rehearsals on Tuesdays and Thursdays when school begins. Instruction on the field focuses on marching technique, while instruction in the classroom focuses on instrumentation. The band also has earned a reputation for providing an energetic and fun atmosphere at the games by performing pep tunes in the stands. Band members are fed at the games by Band Boosters, who also oversee concession stand sales. Want to help? Ask to join the PHS Band Boosters private group on Facebook.

Parades

Each fall, the PHS Marching Dragons make an appearance in the Pittsburg State University Homecoming Parade and in the annual Pittsburg Christmas Parade.

Pep Band

Throughout the basketball season, which starts in December, the pep band provides energy, fun, and school spirit at home games by performing pep tunes in the stands. The band also performs the school fight song at each pep assembly throughout the school year.

Competitions

Each fall, the Marching Dragons travel to Andover, Kansas, to compete in the Southern Plains Marching Festival — an experience that not only pushes them to perfect their music and marching, but allows them to see other marching bands from across the region. After marching season, the band transitions to indoor competitions, including District, Regional, State, KMEA, and Mid-America solos, ensembles, festivals, and honor bands.

Concerts

Highlights of the school year include Vespers (Winter Concert) in partnership with Susan Laushman's vocal music program, the Jazz Festival in March as part of PSU's longstanding tradition, Chamber Music Night, Spring Concert, Jazz at The Pitt, and Feast & Follies. PHS band also performs as part of PHS graduation in late May. For a detailed list of dates, times, and locations, download the calendar:

Pit Orchestra

Motivated band members have the option of performing as part of the pit orchestra under the direction of Cooper Neil and in collaboration with PHS vocal music teacher Susan Laushman and PHS theatre teacher Greg Shaw. The pit orchestra provides live music for the fall musical produced by Music Rep Theatre, and for the all-school musical in late winter.  Ticket sales and other details will be announced via the Friends of PHS Performing Arts social media channels at @PHSPerforms. The Friends group also coordinates meals for the pit orchestra, crew, and cast during dress rehearsal week and at the shows; volunteers and contributions will be needed.

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