Clef Notes
Band Director Mr. Kim Harrison
Kim Harrison received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education in 1977 from Kansas
State University. He then toured the U.S. with a professional Christian recording music
group, “Bridge” based out of Nashville, Tennessee from 1977-79 playing trumpet and flugelhorn.
From 1979-1982 he taught music at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in Hays, Kansas.
He taught band at Nallwood Junior High from 1982-85. He was awarded a graduate teaching
fellowship to Wichita State University for 85-86 and received his Master’s in Music Education in
1986. He has done additional graduate work at UMKC, Kansas University, Emporia Sate, Illinois
State and Northwestern University. The summer of 2002 he was one of four music educators
selected nationally to receive a full fellowship to study graduate music at Northwestern
University in Evanston, Illinois.
This is Mr. Harrison’s 21st year at Shawnee Mission East. The program has grown from
one band class of 78 students to the present 200 students that are enrolled in 3 concert bands,
2 jazz bands, marching band, and a music theory class.
The band program has had many successful awards in the past few years with concert bands
and jazz bands receiving top honors at festivals. The jazz band and symphonic band have
performed six times in the past 14 years at the State Kansas Music Educator’s Convention in
Wichita, Kansas. This is a prestigious honor and is awarded by sending in an audition
recording. In 20 years at East there have been 141 all-state musicians selected from the
program for the state jazz band, concert band, and symphony orchestra.
The marching band has marched at the Peach Bowl Parade in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as
three times at the Citrus Bowl Parade and Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The concert bands
have received 1st division ratings at the state music contest many times. The symphonic band
won their division at the World’s of Fun in 97, 98, and 2000. They were awarded the Sweepstakes
Trophy for best performance in the spring of 2000, in competition with approximately 60 music
ensembles.
The jazz bands have won first place at many jazz festivals in the Midwest the past 10
years. The most significant accomplishment was recorded in the spring of 2001, and repeated
again in 2006. The Blue Knights were selected as one of 15 finalists nationwide, to participate
in the Essentially Ellington National Jazz Competition. The band traveled to New York City and
performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The artistic director of this
event is Wynton Marsalis.
The Kansas Music Educator’s Association named Mr. Harrison “High School Instrumental
Teacher of the Year for 2005-2006 of Northeast Kansas.”
Who’s in Charge?
Band Staff
Director: Mr. Kim Harrison
Assistant: Mrs. Melissa Watzke
Percussion Clinician: Mr. Ray DeMarchi
Leaders of the Pack
Band Officers and Duties -
The band members elect a student president, vice president, secretary, and
treasurer. Besides other duties, one of these students comes to each Band
Booster meeting as a liaison between the band and the boosters.
Drum Majors –
These students are the highest in the student leadership chain. They put in more
time and effort than any other band member and should be treated with the
utmost respect. They help see that rehearsals run smoothly and conduct all
marching and pep band performances.
Section Leaders –
These students are chosen by the director to run sectionals during marching band
season. They help students learn their music and help the director set forms
for their section. They set section rehearsal times and members are expected
to attend.
Parent Corner
Band Boosters –
All parents of band students are automatically members of the Band Booster
organization after paying the Booster dues. The Boosters provide water and/or
pop for our band members after the half time show at football games, chaperone
bus trips, help with marching shows and festivals, help fit and distribute
marching uniforms, coordinate purchase of concert uniforms, create video tapes of
of band performances, and much more. We provide financial support to buy
instruments, equipment, and music. We pay for clinicians, festival fees,
transportation, and other expenditures over and above the school’s music budget.
Booster Meetings –
The Booster officers, board members, and band parents meet with Mr. Harrison
throughout the school year as needed based on booster activities. All meetings
are announced on our webpage and via a parent email. All parents are encouraged
to attend Booster meetings. These meetings are a parent’s best opportunity to
find out what is going on with the band and band program.
Newsletter –
The band newsletter, “High Notes” is distributed in the summer until our
email database is available. The newsletter will include a roster of band
students, list of Booster officers and board members, a calendar of events,
fundraising information, and more. Be sure to read the newsletter, as you cannot
expect your teenager to inform you about band or high school. Once
school starts, the website becomes our primary source of communication with
band families.
Website –
Band Boosters will continue to maintain Mr. Harrison’s website at
http://teacherweb.com/KS/ShawneeMissionEast/KimHarrison/
All news and pertinent information will be posted on the website. An email will
be sent notifying parents to check the website for news/changes.
It is suggested that you bookmark the website and check it weekly so you
don’t miss any updates. Providing an email address for parent/s and student/s
is paramount to the success of this electronic communication process!
Freshman Orientation
SME kicks off the school year with a Lancer Launch and Watermelon Feed.
Freshmen are introduced to SME at the Lancer Launch and have an opportunity to ask
questions of students and staff. This is followed by a picnic for freshman and their
parents. After the picnic, all SME families are invited to the Watermelon Feed where
the band provides a preview of the year’s halftime show music. Most school booster
clubs offer opportunities for membership and sell SME paraphernalia, so be sure
to bring your checkbook. Band boosters will be in attendance with t-shirts and trash
bags to sell and answers to band questions. Please try to attend. It is a fun and
informative afternoon. Lancer Launch is held at the end of the first day of classes for
Freshman, Thursday, August 14, 2008.
Band Camp
Band Camp is when upperclassmen learn the music and skills needed for parades,
pre-game show, and performances for home football games. It is also a great time for
freshman and new students to become integrated into life as a Lancer.
Official dates and schedule for Fall 2008 school year:
Monday, August 4th: (All Upperclassmen – not freshmen)
8 am – 11:30 am and 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Tuesday, August 5th: (All Upperclassmen – not freshmen)
8 am – 11:30 am and 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Wednesday, August 6th: (All Upperclassmen – not freshmen)
8 am – 11:30 am and 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Thursday, August 7th: (All Upperclassmen - not freshmen)
8 am – 11:30 am and 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Friday, August 8th: (All Upperclassmen AND freshmen)
8 am – 1:30 am and 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
What if I can’t come? –
Band Camp is a mandatory activity. The camp date is announced before
school is out and again in the summer newsletter. If you are unable to
attend any or all of the scheduled practices, arrangements must be made
with Mr. Harrison prior to band camp.
What do I bring? –
Obviously, your instrument! Also bring a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat,
and wear comfortable shoes.
Lunch –
Lunch each day is from 11:30 to 12:30. Students are responsible for their
own lunch. Section leaders help provide transportation for those who need it.
Morning Rehearsals
During marching season, band starts at 7:00 a.m. each day. Students are required to
be at school and ready to begin rehearsal at 7:00 a.m. Old shoes are advisable,
as the football field can be wet. These shoes are left in the practice rooms across
the hall during marching season.
Sectionals
These are extra practices scheduled by the section leaders before or after school
during the marching season. This gives each instrument group a chance to work on
the music on their own.
Uniforms
T-Shirt –
All band members are required to purchase the year’s band t-shirt. It will be
worn during marching season with jeans as a uniform during hot weather, and
under the wool marching tunic when wearing full marching uniform. The band
t-shirt is also worn at pep band performances during the basketball season.
Students are required to wear the band t-shirt as described above for uniformity
and to receive letter points.
Marching Season –
Freshman wear band t-shirt and jeans. Upperclassmen wear the school
provided marching uniform and hat with their band t-shirt underneath.
The school took delivery of new marching uniforms in August 2005.
Shoes are provided with the new uniforms! Marching Uniform is to be worn
properly throughout the entire game.
Concert Attire – Boys
Black tuxedo pants and white tuxedo shirt, black socks, black shoes.
Tie and cummerbund provided by school. Pants and shirt purchased through
After Hours at Metcalf South for $25 and $15 respectively. Pants
are unfinished and must be hemmed. The tailor shop at Metcalf South
will hem the pants for a small charge. A limited number of used pants
and shirts are available "for rent" from Band Boosters for $5 each.
Sizes are limited.
Concert Attire - Girls
Black slacks and white tuxedo shirt, black hose, and black shoes. Tie and
cummerbund provided by school. Slacks and shirt purchased through After Hours at
Metcalf South for $25 and $15 respectively. The slacks have a finished hem,
but may need to be shortened. The tailor shop at Metcalf South will shorten
for a small charge. A limited number of used shirts are available "for
rent" from Band Boosters for $5 each. Sizes are limited.
This service is made available because of the generosity of current and
graduating band members. If you have outgrown your present uniform,
PLEASE -
Donate it to Band Booster's Recycled Inventory Your donation allows New
Members to acquire uniforms Or Others to exchange for new sizes or Replace
missing pieces
Please bring your CLEAN uniform pieces to:
Robin Spickler
3001 W. 105th Street
Home: 913-385-7659
bubrobspickler@juno.com
Thanks!
Blue Knights –
Black sweater purchased from Band Boosters for $40, blue button down collar
shirt, black dress pants, black socks, black shoes.
Blue Notes –
Blue shirt purchase from Band Boosters for $25, black dress pants, dark socks,
and dark shoes.
Mr. Harrison and Band Boosters have agreed to enforce uniformity of dress at all
band performances. The marching uniform is to be worn properly at all times when
performing or seated in the stands. Complete, correct concert attire, including
proper footwear, is to be worn to all performances. Pep band members are
required to wear the band t-shirt or not participate in pep band.
Band Fees
Be forewarned, there are some initial band fees:
Booster Dues - $75.00 (per student)
Marching/Pep T-shirt - included in above fee (required each year by all band students)
Percussion Fee - $50.00 (This fee covers percussion clinician’s fee.)
Band Booster Dues – Please remit by July 1, 2008 with the Payment Form
This fee helps provide financial support for the band programs not furnished by
the school district. Band Boosters spends more than $80 per band student on marching
uniform cleaning, show plans, newsletter printing and postage, copier maintenance,
festival food and fees, purchase of new instruments, and more. Fundraising, then,
covers the rest of the band booster budget and annual expenditures.
The dues for the 2008-09 school year are $75.00. They are payable with
all other above mentioned fees in July so that we can have our shirts in time for the
Lancer Launch. They will be handed out with the Entertainment Books during band camp.
It is very important that every band family pay their dues so that everyone contributes and
benefits equally.
Fundraising
Through dues and fundraising, the Band Boosters provides in excess of $13,000.00
per year in financial support to the SME band program. Booster dues contribute less
than 50% of this amount. Fundraising helps provide transportation, music,
KMEA audition fees, festival fees, uniform cleaning, purchase of new instruments,
and much more. In recent years, band booster fundraising has included:
Lawn/Trash Bag Sales –
Lawn bags and kitchen bags are sold all year via a north and south
warehouse.
Check the newsletter for the name of this year’s volunteer “warehouses”.
The cost per roll is $10.00
Entertainment Books –
Before school starts, Band Boosters distributes Entertainment books for
sale. The number of books sold determines our proceeds. The more students
sell, the more the Band Boosters make! The cost per book is $20. They are
also available to friends and relatives in other states and cities for that
particular area! Details will be available when Entertainment Books
are handed out.
Basketball Concessions –
Band Boosters run the basketball concession at all boys and girls varsity
home games.
Additional fundraisers may be held during “trip years” or as opportunities
arise. During trip years, as much fundraising as possible will go into an “all
band” travel account to be distributed equally among all students traveling.
However, to receive travel funds, a student and/or parents must meet two criteria.
First, parents and/or students must have participated in fundraising
efforts by selling fundraising items or working at Basketball Concessions.
You can also help by coordinating a fundraiser or helping with a fundraising
event. Second, a student’s booster dues and assorted fees must be
current and paid in full to receive travel funds.
Everyone must contribute to the fundraising effort to share equally in the
travel money.
Note: If you are financially unable to pay the above-mentioned fees, please
contact the Band Booster treasurer, Gayle Callahan, to discuss a payment plan or to
make alternate arrangements that allow your student to fully participate in the
band program. Any information provided to Gayle Callahan and Mr. Harrison will be
kept completely confidential.
All Those Bands
Marching Band –
Marching season runs from August through November. Upperclassmen march in
pre-game shows and during half time at home football games. They also
perform in marching festivals during the first semester of school.
Freshmen play in the pre-game shows and in the stands during home football
games. They are also part of any parade marching done during the marching
season such as Lancer Day Parade.
FRESHMAN Percussionists do NOT perform with the marching band due to
insufficient number of instruments.
Concert Band –
This band is made up of upperclassmen. They practice during the second
semester of the school year.
Symphonic Band –
This band is a select concert ensemble made up of upperclassmen that
auditioned in the spring of the previous year. Chairs are appointed
through audition. Students practice each day during the second semester.
Sectionals are held on an as needed basis.
Freshman Band –
These students practice each day throughout the school year and perform with
the Concert Band second semester.
Full Orchestra –
The best wind and percussion players from the Symphonic Band are chosen to
perform orchestral works with our fine string orchestra. The students are
auditioned and selected by the orchestra director.
Blue Knights –
This top jazz ensemble is chosen by audition in the spring of the previous
school year. The Blue Knights practice jazz daily during class, watch
videos of great jazz performers, and learn improvisation. Students may
not enroll in jazz band only, but must be enrolled in the concert
band program. The only exception to this district policy may be
the bass player, guitarist, and pianist. The jazz band participates
in two festivals a year usually in February and March.
Blue Notes –
This is SME’s second jazz band. All of the information pertaining to the
Blue Knights pertains to the Blue Notes. The jazz band participates
in two festivals a year usually in February and March.
Pep Bands –
These are a lot of fun. Students play marching arrangements plus some pop,
rock, and jazz tunes. During football season, anyone wishing to perform at
selected away games may come and play. During basketball season,
which runs from December through March, students are divided into two
ensembles and play at scheduled home basketball games. This is a required
activity, and students who cannot attend must get someone else to
take their place. Students who wish to perform at more than
their assigned games are welcome!
Tryouts and Challenges
Tips – Nothing can aid your student more than regular practice augmented by private
lessons. Also, nothing can hinder practice more than an instrument that is in
poor repair.
District and State Honor Bands –
KMEA auditions are held in late November.
Proper concert attire, not jeans, should be worn to audition.
Two concert bands and a jazz ensemble is formed from the finest players in
Eastern Kansas. A day of practice with a nationally acclaimed director
culminates with a memorable concert held in an area high school in early
December.
Any sophomore to senior band student may audition for this honor. If you
perform in this concert, you earn the right to audition for the State Honor
Band and Orchestra. This is the highest goal a Kansas high school musician
can achieve. The next auditions are then held in early December. Those who
make one of the ensembles will practice for three days with one of the best
conductors in the country, and then perform in concert in Wichita at
the KMEA convention in late February or early March.
Information about these contests will be discussed with students in class
and a letter in the newsletter. This is a high honor and a wonderful
experience.
Solo and Ensemble Festivals –
The Regional State Solo and Ensemble Festival is held in early April.
Students may prepare a solo with piano accompaniment or an ensemble of
three or more people.
Proper concert attire, not jeans, should be worn to audition.
First, the students will go to the regional competition and perform
before a judge and often a small but interested audience. Certificates of
achievement are presented to those earning a “1” or a “2” rating, and they
get the judges’ printed comments. If a “1” rating is earned, the
students qualify to perform at the state festival. Again, students perform
before a judge. Solos must be performed from memory. Students receiving a
“2” are given certificates. Those who get a “1” receive a medal.
When purchasing music, be sure you get an original copy of the music
for the judge, the accompanist, and yourself. No photocopies
are allowed. Sign-up times for performing are done during band class.
Band Rules
As a band student, you are expected to follow all the rules of the Shawnee Mission
School District as well as SME. When wearing your uniform you are expected to be
on your best behavior. Keep all of your uniform on. Again, this will be
enforced this year during marching season and at all band performances.
Eliminate all unnecessary talking and playing. Use common sense and conduct yourself
properly as you are representing your school, the SME Lancers. Always be on time,
and be ready to play your best!
Lettering
To letter in band students must
1) Display effort
2) Maintain a good attitude
3) Display skill in performance
4) Show musical knowledge and literacy
To earn a band letter, students must earn a minimum of 70 points during the school
year. Points are awarded as follows:
All District Band 6 points for audition
All District Band 8 points for clinic or concert
All State Band 10 points for clinic or concert
Seniority in Band 2 points per year
Pit orchestra for musical 10 points
SME Orchestra 10 points
Blue Knights Jazz Ensemble 10 points
Blue Notes Jazz Ensemble 10 points
Sectional Attendance 1 point per sectional
Concert Attendance and Critique 1 point per concert
Private Lessons 3 points per month (9 points max.)
Contest Solos 10 points for “1” rating
7 points for “2” rating
5 points for “3” rating
Concert Ensembles 10 points for “1” rating
7 points for “2” rating
5 points for “3” rating
Sectional Leaders 5 points
Band Officer 5 points
Pep Band 4 points per performance
Youth Symphony or Youth Jazz Ens. 10 points (show program to Mr. H.)
Work for Director As designated by Mr. Harrison
Special Events
Marching Festivals –
The Marching Lancer Band and Drill Team traditionally participate in two marching
festivals each year. These are competitions during which the band presents its
field show and is judged by a panel of experts. Usually this involves a Saturday
bus trip to an area out of Kansas City. Parents chaperone on the buses. All
parents are welcome to come and encouraged to come and sit together in the stands
and cheer on the band. This is a required activity for students and great fun
for all.
Shawnee Mission Marching Festival –
Towards the end of the marching season, all of the Shawnee Mission bands perform
their marching programs for each other at the Shawnee Mission South stadium.
Due to lots of friendly rivalry between the schools, this is a great time for all
parents to show their support by sitting together and cheering the band and
drill team on.
Major Band Trip –
Every few years, the SME band takes a trip. In the past, we have taken Marching
trips over winter break. We took a concert trip to St. Louis in April of 2004.
A professional travel agency is utilized to handle travel arrangements,
and
fundraising helps offset the cost to families. Parents participate as
chaperones.
A band trip is great experience for all involved. Again, fundraising
money will be placed in an “all band” travel account and all traveling students
in good standing, i.e., all fees paid, participant in fundraising, will receive
an equal share of the travel money to offset the personal cost of the trip.
Large Ensemble State Music Festival –
Concert and symphonic bands from Eastern Kansas converge on a selected area
school to perform before noted judges. This takes place on a school day in
April,
and all students are required to perform.
East Area Cavalcade of Bands -
All of the band students from the East area feeder schools perform for an
evening of entertainment in the SME gym. This includes all fifth, sixth,
seventh,
and eighth grade band members, along with the SME Symphonic and Concert Bands.
Following the performance, eighth grade band members and their parents are
invited to the cafeteria to enjoy cookies and punch while meeting the SME band
director, band members, and band booster parents. This is a great opportunity
for learning about the SME high school band experience.
Jazz Night –
Held annually in April, Jazz Night showcases the SME jazz bands and those of
Indian Hills and Mission Valley middle schools. This is the jazz bands’
only fundraiser and the proceeds are used for festival fees, transportation,
clinicians, and more. Parents and students sell tickets to this event,
and parents coordinate the evening from advertising, setup and tearing down,
manning the refreshment stations, and much more. It is a great night of music
for band families and friends.
Band Banquet –
Our school year traditionally ends with an award banquet in May. The event is
catered, and each person attending is charged a nominal fee to cover the costs.
The graduating seniors sit together as an honored group. The seniors present a
gift to Mr. Harrison and the band. The primary purpose of the evening
is to honor band students for their accomplishments throughout the year. There
is also a short Band Booster meeting to elect the officers for the next school
year. This is the last social event of the year, so be sure to attend.
Awards given at the banquet include:
Letters – see page 8.
Esprit de Corps – Given to students in each class who best exemplify
the characteristics of successful band students.
State and Regional Contest Winners
John Phillip Sousa Award – These are given to a senior band student that
has demonstrated ommitment, leadership, and proficiency in jazz
improvisation. These people are chosen by Mr. Harrison.
Louis B. Armstrong Award – Given to a senior band student that has
demonstrated commitment and leadership in our total band program.
A student that truly cares about the marching band, pep band, as well as
the concert band program. These people are chosen by Mr. Harrison.
Leroy Harrison Scholarship – In memory of Kim Harrison’s father.
$500.00 scholarship given each year to a deserving graduate, based on published
scholarship criteria
Graduation –
Underclassmen symphonic band members perform during the graduation
ceremony in May.
Summer Band Camps –
A number of concert band and jazz band camps are held during the summer
on college campuses such as Emporia State, UMKC, etc. Mr. Harrison particularly
likes the Band Of America Summer Band Symposium at Illinois State University.
During this weeklong camp, students receive daily instruction and attend nightly
concerts by well-known artists.