The Kathleen High School Band Department is home to The Pride of Kathleen Band. The department offers Marching, Concert, Jazz, and Pep bands as well as the Color Guard and Drum Line Corps ensembles under the direction of Director Miller. For more information on these ensembles click here. Being in Band or Color Guard is a big commitment to freshmen and new comers. But, being in Band and Guard quickly teaches you to be more responsible and manage your time better. Students are not only expected to maintain good grade averages, but also balance school work with and practice schedules and event obligations. Below is what the typical schedule looks like for band and guard members.

Band Camp

In the weeks before school starts both the band and guard attend Band Camp. This is where current members meet the incoming members, learn most of the music and routines the Director has put together for the upcoming football season, and also learn everything they will need to know about being in the Band or Color Guard.

Rehearsals

The Bands and Color Guard rehearse after school consistently throughout the year. Rehearsals typically start at 4:30pm and end 7:00pm. In addition, students are expected to practice at home at least 30 minutes a day.

Fall – Marching Season

On Fridays during the Fall, the Drum line, Marching Band, and Color Guard attend all Home and most Away football games and perform. During the games The students will play “stand tunes” from the stands and perform a show at half-time. Most students will say this is their favorite part of their Fall semester. On Saturdays during the Fall, there are some all-day rehearsals and competitions such as the Florida Band Masters Association MPA event. This is usually where all the hard work in rehearsal comes together and they are graded for their performance. This is always a really exciting time for the students and where all the hard work rehearsing pays off.

Winter – Parade & Concert Season

After marching season is over, the Bands and Color Guard begin preparation for the Winter Parades and Concerts. We usually participate in the annual Veterans Day and Holiday Parades through downtown Lakeland.

Concerts include performances from the  Symphonic, and Jazz bands, and the Winter Guard. The concert bands and Color Guard, also prepare for Concert MPA and Solo & Ensemble events. Between October and April, a select group of students are chosen for Pep Band to perform at pep rallies and Home basketball games, to spread school pride and spirit.

Spring

In the Spring, the bands and Color Guard continue to rehearse and perform at concerts and events around campus. The entire band usually performs at graduation. This is another highlight of the year. As the students provide entertainment, get to watch their peers graduate, and show their support for them on one last time. It is kinda bitter sweet, but every graduation is a memorable one.

• You will make many new friends before school even starts at Band Camp.
• You will learn music and get to represent the school at events, and spreading Red Devil pride throughout the year!
• Colleges and Universities love seeing a commitment to band and guard on a college application.
• You can earn volunteer hours toward a Bright Futures scholarship through band/guard volunteer activities.
• You’ll have the opportunity to go on trips throughout the year, to schools, parades, and events to perform!
• The memes!

We have Band and Color Guard members who attend school on the CFAA campus. The school provides transportation via buses back to the KHS campus for band classes. The Band and Color Guard rehearsals are generally right after school, so finding transportation to rehearsals isn’t generally an issue.

We have students in band who also play basketball, football, baseball, softball, track, and soccer. We have students who are in National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, etc.. It is very possible to be in the Band or Color Guard and participate in other activities.

There are many ways you can help support the students and the program. So many in-fact we made an entire page for it!!!

Click here to learn about how you can help and support the program.