INTERVIEW: Katie Sperry, Director of Bands at Larned High School.

Bowen Boyack of KBN: Tell me about yourself and what inspired you to get this job as a Band Director at Larned.

Katie Sperry: I graduated from Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS, where I obtained my Bachelors of Music Education in 2003. In 2010, I received my Masters of Business Administration from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, KS. I have been an active Army Reservist since 2009. In 2013, I completed the Army School of Music and currently assigned with the 312th Army Band in Lawrence, KS. In 2012, I was hired as the Director of Bands for USD 495 Larned, KS. After returning form an Overseas Deployment, I really wanted to get back into teaching. At the time my family and lived in Salina and there were no Music opening. So my husband, Business teacher, and I started a job search that would relocate both of us. Larned was our top choice. We loved the family atmosphere in the school and community. I also appreciated the opportunity to teaching at all grade levels. 

BB: Tell me a little bit about the Band Program here at LHS. 

KS: I am the Director of all the Bands. I have the pleasure of sharing 5th Grade Band with our Elementary Music teacher. Then I take on 6-12 Grade Bands on my own. My MS and HS are very active in all our Solo, Ensemble and Large Group festivals. The HS Band participates in Marching Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band and Concert Band. 

BB: What inspired your musical selections this year for marching band?

KS: This year's Marching Selections were Highlights from High School Musical. Every year, I allow my Juniors to select three options and then whole class votes on which show they would like to perform. 

BB: What competitions did you go to this marching season and what ratings/scores did you get? 

KS: Every year, we attend the Fort Hays State Marching and receive Excellent and Superior ratings. Unfortunately, due to weather issues were only attended for comments only for out playing perfomance. 

BB: Tell me about the upcoming trips you will be taking within the next 3-4 years.

KS: We are unable to take trips, sadly.

BB: What concert band repertoire are your bands playing this year? When are your upcoming performances?

KS: This year we performed: Christmas Program: A Charlie Brown Christmas arranged by Paul Murtha; Toccata and Fugue in D Minor arranged by Victor Lopez; Praises by W. Francis McBeth; and The Nightmare Before Christmas arranged by Micheal Brown. We will be Performing at State Large Group: Torch of Liberty March by King/arr. Swearingen and They Hung Their Harps in the Willow by W.F. McBeth. Then our Spring Concert is May 2 and we perform out two festival selection along with Zia!Zia! Spanish March by C.T.Smith; A Pery Grainger Portrait arranged by D.E. Wagner; and Alice in Wonderland Highlights arranged by Michael Brown. My Jazz Band will performing throughout the semester at local business and the Assistant Living Homes. We only meet two mornings a week and we are preparing 6 selections for our small performances and our final concert May 2. We are working on Oh, Lady Be Good! arranged by Terry White; Mood Indigo arranged by Mark Taylor; Mucho Macho by Paul Clark; Blue Moon Vocal Solo arranged by Victor Lopez; I've Got You Under My Skin arranged by Dave Wolpe; and Ain't Got No Place to Go by Andy Clark. 

BB: Looking forward to 2019, any plans for your band that you would be willing to share? 

KS: No plans, just running Festivals!

Thank you, Katie. Good luck to the LHS Bands in the upcoming years