The Kansas State High School Activities Association advocates principles and sponsors services which assure that the state’s middle level and high school students gain a balanced preparation for life, work, and post-secondary education.
What this means for Music Teachers: KSHSAA administrates the Regional and State Solo and Ensemble Festivals as well as State Large Group Festival for High School Bands, Choirs, and Orchestras.
Bands, Choirs, and Orchestras performing at the State Large Group Festivals must perform selection(s) based on your school’s classification from the Required Music List administered by KSHSAA. That list and performance requirements may be found on the KSHSAA website.
Bands, Choirs, and Orchestras at State Large Group Festival are assessed using the rating rubric developed by the KMEA Festival Committee and administered by KSHSAA. For samples of the rubrics, please visit the KSHSAA website.
Hello, I am Craig Manteuffel, KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director in charge of Fine Arts activities for the State of Kansas. I am beginning my fifth year at the KSHSAA. I am a former music teacher of 29 years and served as KMEA President from 2011-2013. It is my goal to assist music directors in any way I can and to facilitate school participation in our Regional and State Music Festivals. These festivals provide invaluable learning opportunities for our students and directors. In 1987, my first year as a high school band director, my 18 piece concert band from Otis-Bison attended the KSHSAA State Large Group Music Festival. My students and I had a wonderful, educational experience that I will never forget. Make this a priority at your school!
The most important reference document that you need is a current KSHSAA Music Manual. The KSHSAA mails multiple copies to your athletic director each August. These manuals are critical in helping directors know the rules and the deadlines for attending our festivals in the spring. The KSHSAA website is found at kshsaa.org. You will use this website many times throughout the year. Throughout the school year, high school music teachers across Kansas will receive emails from my office. These emails will be sent by Kathy Wilhelm, my assistant, or myself. Our email addresses are: kwilhelm [at] kshsaa.org or cmanteuffel [at] kshsaa.org. Please read these emails carefully and in length. I encourage you to email or call me anytime you have a question or concern. Together we can provide quality fine arts opportunities for Kansas students! I look forward to working with you.
Bands, Choirs, and Orchestras performing at the State Large Group Festivals must perform selection(s) based on your school’s classification from the Required Music List administered by KSHSAA. That list and performance requirements may be found on the KSHSAA music webpage. Bands, Choirs, and Orchestras at State Large Group Festival are assessed using the rating rubric developed by the KMEA Festival Committee and administered by KSHSAA. For samples of the rubrics, please visit the KSHSAA music web page.