Band at The Independent School
Band at The Independent School gives students in grades 5–12 a clear path from beginning instruction to advanced ensemble performance. Led by Joe Clements, the program includes Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, and Upper School Band, giving Middle and Upper School students opportunities to develop their musicianship, perform, and grow together.
100+ student musicians in grades 5–12 at TIS
A Program That Grows With Students
Beginning Band
An introduction to instrumental music, ensemble skills, and the foundations students need to grow as musicians.
Intermediate Band
Students continue developing technique, musical understanding, and confidence performing as part of an ensemble.
Advanced Band
More experienced Middle School musicians take on increasingly challenging music and greater responsibility within the ensemble.
Upper School Band
Upper School students continue refining their musicianship through advanced repertoire, performance, collaboration, and leadership.
Meet the Band Director, Joe Clements
Joe Clements has been teaching since 2004 and has served as Band Director at The Independent School since 2008. During his time at TIS, the band program has grown to include more than 100 students in grades 5–12 and has earned recognition across multiple areas of performance.
Mr. Clements attended Wichita State University, where he earned degrees in Music Education and Trombone Performance. Outside the classroom, he has performed with The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Funk Brothers, the Honey Island Swamp Band, and Nashville recording artist Denny Jiosa. He was also a longtime member and music arranger for the legendary Wichita band LOTUS.
Mr. Clements currently performs with The Fabulous Shirtheads and the Bodo Jazz Band and serves as lead trombone for the Delano Jazz Orchestra. He is a member of NAfME, KMEA, and KBA.
He has also watched every hour of Star Trek ever made.
What Students Gain
Band develops much more than musical ability. Students learn discipline, collaboration, listening, leadership, and the confidence to perform in front of others. Every musician contributes to the whole, giving students both individual responsibility and a strong sense of belonging.
Performances and Opportunities
- School concerts
- Pep band
- Solo and ensemble opportunities
- Honor bands
- Clinics & guest musicians
2025-2026 Band Awards & Honors
TIS band students represented the school through solo and ensemble performances at Middle School Masterworks, Upper School Masterworks, and the KSHSAA Regional Solo and Ensemble Festival. Their Excellent and Outstanding ratings reflect the preparation, musicianship, and teamwork developed throughout the band program.
Middle School Masterworks
Outstanding Solo Performances
- Fiona Dame, flute
- Emmy Stahlman, flute
- Jana Sarraf, flute
Excellent Ensemble Performances
Flute Choir
- Tilly Idbeis
- Fiona Dame
- Emmy Stahlman
- Jana Sarraf
- Augie Riemers
- Ryder Wilson
Clarinet Quartet
- Sophia Gill
- Marlena Burke
- Kyhlee Olson
- Ruth Norma
Saxophone Trio
- Avery Tyndell
- Graham Speer
- Drake Reed
Outstanding Ensemble Performance
Brass Choir
- Myles Teller
- Colin Hart
- Isabel Unrien
- Zainab Agha
- Daniel Zayour
- Conner Blue
- Hudson Coffman
Upper School Masterworks
Excellent Performances
- Sophie Miller, flute
- Stella DeCesaro, clarinet
- Jordyn Long, clarinet
- Ayanna Williams, alto saxophone
- Ben Sackett, trumpet
- Neel Reddy, trumpet
Mixed Duet
- Yasmina Sarraf
- Charlotte L. Pfister
Trumpet Choir
- Ben Sackett
- Marcello Lopez
- Cooper Cheng
- Neel Reddy
- Parker Reed
Outstanding Performances
- Emrie Gosset, bass clarinet
Woodwind Duet
- Lydia Walden
- Ayanna Williams
KSHSAA Regional Solo and Ensemble Festival
Excellent Performances
- Lydia Walden, flute
- Sophie Miller, flute
- Stella DeCesaro, clarinet
- Jordyn Long, clarinet
- Parker Reed, trumpet
Outstanding Performances
- Emrie Gosset, bass clarinet
- Ayanna Williams, alto saxophone
- Ben Sackett, trumpet
- Neel Reddy, trumpet
- Trumpet Choir
- Woodwind Duet
- Mixed Duet
