Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact our Director, Mr. Baker for even more information!
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.
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. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact our Director, Mr. Baker for even more information!
How We Communicate
Communication is an integral part of our success, theArefor we try our best to communicate frequently utilizing the platforms listed below:
Our Band Website
The Kellam Band website is updated regularly and is a great resource to all things band related! Often, it will be the only place you need to look to find the answer to what you're looking for! The address is www.kellamhsband.org
Our Weekly Newsletter, The Knightly News
The Knightly News is a weekly newsletter for current students and families only. It is a great resource to see what the week ahead looks like at a glance!
BAND App
We ask that each student and family sign up for the BAND APP to receive the class reminders/important announcements.
Invitations will be sent to members and families.
Schoology
Students will receive information on how to join Schoology once the school year is under way.
Families will receive emails from the Director and/or the Kellam Band Parents Association President from time to time.
Social Media
The Kellam Band utilizes an array of Social Media platforms in addition to the methods mentioned above.
- The Kellam Band Parents Association have a Facebook page! It’s a closed group, open only to parents and is a great resource for information and to ask questions! If you have a Facebook account, ask Mrs. Dewitt, KBPA President, to add you today!
- Kellam HS Band is another Facebook page, that is open to the public.
- You can search for KellamHSBand on Twitter and Instagram as well, or click on the social media icons on our homepage.
Courses Offered
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, please refer to our ENSEMBLES page. Don't see what you're looking for? Still have questions? Please contact Mr. Baker!
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, please refer to our ENSEMBLES page. Don't see what you're looking for? Still have questions? Please contact Mr. Baker!
- Marching Knights (KMK)
- Kellam Winds (Symphonic Wind Ensemble)
- Kellam Symphony Orchestra
- Kellam Jazz Ensemble
- Music Theory
- Beginning Guitar
How Do I Join the Marching Knights?
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. A student who is new to Kellam can also contact Mr. Baker, for additional information.
What is the time commitment for Marching Band?
There are usually several weeks during the summer that practice is held. Typically, the Marching Knights will meet in the evenings for one week in July, (see calendar, 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.
What are those Saturday Shows/Competitions all about?
The Marching Knights usually perform in 5 to 6 Marching Band Shows during the competitive season each fall. Several are in our area, while one to two are out of town, and may require an overnight stay. In the past, the Marching Knights have traveled and performed in Allentown, PA (J. Birney Crumb Stadium), Harrisonburg, VA (James Madison University), and Lynchburg,VA (Liberty University) to name a few.
While the nature of what we do is very competitive, we as a program do not focus on placement. Our guiding principles have always been to focus on our students and our product; though the Marching Knights have a celebrated tradition of excellence, on and off of the field. The legacy of our signature "Kellam Sound" has earned high regard from our friends across the Commonwealth and beyond!
How Can Parents Get Involved?
Are parents involved in the band?
YES! The Kellam Band Parents Association (KBPA) are the chaperones, fundraisers, trip planners, pit crew, volunteers, and BIGGEST FANS of the Kellam High School Band programs. The KBPA is open to all parents, guardians or caregivers of children in any of our band programs including Marching Band, Jazz Band and Concert Bands. As a member, we value your input and assistance. Monthly meetings are held where members will not only receive information, they may also voice concerns or feedback to the parent community.
There are many ways you as a parent or family member can help or donate to the program. Donations of bottled water, items from our wish list, and various other items are always appreciated. Of course help is always welcome in the way of chaperoning, fitting and adjusting uniforms and loading and hauling equipment and props as well.
To learn more about the KBPA, and to view our current Board and Committee Members, please visit the KBPA page on our website.
How can a parent join KBPA?
There are no membership requirements to joining KBPA, except that you have a child in the band, and you would like to be involved! Information will be available at any of the KBPA meetings or at the informational meetings. There are several leadership positions within KBPA and many volunteer opportunities available. To learn more about these opportunities, contact our KBPA President, Mrs. Kim Dewitt.
When/where are KBPA meetings?
Usually, KBPA meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month in the Music Theory Room (next to the Band Room) at Kellam High School. If there is a change to this time we will notify you in advance.