Congrats to all of our students who performed in district solo and ensemble festival today. Today was a great day to be out listening to beautiful music from you all!

Missouri State High School Activities Association District Solo/Ensemble Music Festival "I" Rating
Ethan Brown (9), mallet percussion
Saxophone Trio: Emily Ries (12), Shannon Johnston (12), Chandler Spiker (12)
Gavin Luther (9), snare drum
Emily Steward (12), trumpet
Kyle Shewcraft (12), trombone
Morgan Solomon (10), bass clarinet

Missouri State High School Activities Association District Solo/Ensemble Music Festival "II" Rating
Zac Hoskin (11), flute
Alaura Dalgetty(10), flute
Emily Ries (12), bassoon
Missy Mullins (9), clarinet
Clarinet Quartet: Cammile Henning (12), Kelly Hurley (11), Abby Kamp (10), Morgan Solomon (10);
Alley Rayborn (12), oboe
Sophie Harris (9), flute

The De Soto Band Program would like to thank all of our students, parents, administrators, board members and community members for their support of the program.  The support we receive from our district patrons is invaluable and greatly appreciated.  


Some facts and figures about the De Soto Band Program.
There are approximately 250 students enrolled in band at De Soto.  

Out of all of these students:
62% are involved in school athletics (football, basketball, volleyball)
75% are involved in another activity (choir, academic team, drama)

Music students consistently outperform non music in EVERY index of scholastic performance.  Music students have better reading and math scores, higher rates of attendance, higher rates of college attendance, and lower rates of drop out when compared to non music students.  

For this upcoming school year 70% of the 6th grade class have registered to be members of the band program.  At Vineland Elementary 92% of the 6th graders have registered to take music.  

At a time where school districts are facing budget shortfalls and ever increasing expenditures it is important to remember the value and impact that music has on our students.  Band is more than just music instruction, it is life instruction.  Students are able to find a place where they can belong, learn valuable skills, and have fun with music.  

We are very proud of our students and hope that you take some time to come watch them in action.

Upcoming Events
March 5
District Solo and Ensemble @ Jefferson College

March 10-12
Breaking up is Hard to Do Musical @ DJHS

March 12
Mineral Area Jazz Festival @ MAC

March 19
Jefferson County HS Honor Band @ Herculaneum HS

March 31
Jefferson County Pre-Contest Concert @ Herculaneum HS