Future Panthers

The Panther Band is one of the largest and most successful groups at C.E. King Middle School — over 250 students strong. If your student is coming to KMS next year, we would love to have them. No experience necessary.

Instrument Drive — Friday, August 21, 2026

5:00–8:00 PM · Null Middle School cafeteria

Please note the location: this event is at Null Middle School, not C.E. King.

All three recommended vendors will be there with rental and purchase options, plus the required accessories. This is the easiest way to walk out with everything your student needs for the first day.

Choosing an Instrument

Provided by the School

No rental needed. A $100/year usage fee applies, and you buy only the accessories.

  • • Oboe
  • • Bassoon
  • • Alto Saxophone
  • • French Horn
  • • Euphonium
  • • Tuba

Percussion becomes a $100/year school-owned instrument starting in Year 2.

Provided by the Family

Rent or purchase from a recommended vendor. Rental runs about $30–$50/month.

  • • Flute
  • • Clarinet
  • • Trumpet
  • • Trombone
  • • Percussion

All three vendors visit our campus weekly, so repairs do not mean a drive across town.

See recommended music stores and rental details →

What It Costs

  • • $25/year band activity fee — every student
  • • $100/year school-owned instrument usage fee, if applicable
  • • $30–$50/month if you rent from a vendor

The activity fee covers the band T-shirt, a 1" black binder, a pencil pouch, an instrument case tag, and the class method book.

Pay by Ludus (credit/debit), check made out to the campus, or cash. Partial payments are accepted for cash and check.

Common Questions

Does my child need musical experience?

No. Most of our beginners have never played an instrument before. We teach everything from the first note.

Can they do band and a sport?

Yes, and most do. A large share of our 7th and 8th graders play volleyball, football, basketball, or run track while staying in band. We build the sectional schedule expecting it.

How do they choose an instrument?

Every student tries several instruments and gets a score for each. We match their results, their preference, and the balance the band needs.

What is the time commitment?

Band meets daily as a regular class. Sectionals run Monday through Thursday, 4:00–5:00 PM, and each student attends the one for their instrument.

What if we cannot afford an instrument or the fees?

Talk to us. Partial payments are accepted for cash and check, and we will work with you. No student is turned away from band over cost.

Still Have Questions?

Call the band office at (281) 727-3500 or email a director — we are happy to talk it through.

Contact the Directors