Students enrolled in Band are required to participate in both Fall Wildcat Pride Marching Band and Symphonic/Concert Band. Each component develops musicianship, performance skills, and teamwork through rehearsals, performances, and competitive experiences. Requirements and expectations for each program are outlined below.
Fall Wildcat Pride Marching Band
Fall Wildcat Pride Marching Band is a co-curricular performance organization. Students are assigned performance roles based on the needs of the ensemble. The purpose of this group is to perform at home football games, marching band competitions, pep rallies, parades, and community events. Students should expect to travel for competitions.
Participation requires students to meet eligibility requirements for both Wildcat Standards and MSHSAA regulations for competitive events. As one of the largest and most visible student organizations, marching band provides students the opportunity to serve as leaders and representatives of the high school.
Students must demonstrate a strong commitment to rehearsals and performances. Rehearsals are held before, during, and after school and are included as part of the course grade. Daily rehearsals begin at 7:00 a.m., with evening sectional rehearsals scheduled one night per week. Conflicts due to other school activities may be excused with a minimum two-week advance notice to the directors.
A course fee of $110.00 per year is required to assist with competition meals, drinks at games, snacks throughout the season, travel, and lodging. Checks should be made payable to the Neosho School District. Fundraising opportunities are available, and students experiencing financial hardship should contact the director.
Symphonic Band / Concert Band
Symphonic Band and Concert Band begin immediately following the conclusion of the marching band season. Students will prepare and present a minimum of two concerts each year and are required to participate in district, state, and community activities.
Auditions held in the spring will determine placement for the spring semester. Students may also participate in extended musical experiences, including solos, small ensembles, and chamber ensembles, based on interest and participation. Eligibility requirements for Wildcat Standards and MSHSAA must be met for competitive participation.
Honors Credit Requirements for Band (12th Grade Only)
Honors credit for Band is independent of Honors Jazz Band requirements. To earn honors credit, students must complete at least two requirements from each category below.
Category One (Choose at least two):
- 10 hours of tutoring junior high or middle school band students (coordination with the director required)
- Member of SWMMEA District Honor Band
- Member of Missouri Bandmasters State Honor Band
- Division I rating at district solo or ensemble contest
- Division I rating at state solo or ensemble contest
- Attendance at a local clinic or masterclass on the student’s instrument
Category Two (Choose at least two):
- Alternate for SWMMEA District Honor Band
- Member of Conference Band
- Member of 4-State Honor Band
- Member of MU Junior Honor Band
- Member of Show Choir Band
- Division II rating at a solo or ensemble contest
- Perform at all Pepcats events
- Perform a solo or small ensemble at a local community event
Prerequisites for this course include successful completion of a band course the previous year. Students who have not successfully completed the previous band course will be required to audition before being placed in the course.