King High School offers a wide array of performance opportunities for our students! Our goal is to create safe and inclusive learning environment for students to explore music. Here is some information about the musical ensembles offered at King High School.
The King High School Marching Lions
The Marching Lions is one of the premier ensembles at King High School. This ensemble meets after school and can be seen performing at numerous community events throughout the year as well as every Football Game. The Marching Lions have a tradition of excellence dating all the way back the 1960s. Year after year, they continue to bring relentless energy to the Lion’s Den doing their part to support our team. The Marching Lions also perform in competition once a year throughout Hillsborough County at Florida Marching Band Competition events. In 2023, they placed First in their class, and won three Best in Class Awards. For more information on the Marching Lions, contact the director Ryan Klitz at ryan.klitz@hcps.net.
The Lionettes
Interested in dance or Colorguard? Check out the Lionettes. This award winning group performs along side the Marching Lions. They rehearse in class (Eurhythmics 1-4) during the day and meet after school. They incorporate elements of hip-hop, ballet, and modern dance to create electrifying routines. They perform with the Marching Lions during halftime and in the stands at football games. They also perform their own dance routines at concerts and pep rallies throughout the year!
In the Spring, the Lionettes choreograph and design their own competitive show which they take on the road to numerous Winterguard competitions leading up to the Florida Federation of Colorguard’s Circuit Championships in Daytona, Florida. In the Spring of 2024, the Lionettes made history, placing 6th in their class! For more information about the Lionettes, contact their sponsor Mr. Ryan Klitz or their Coach Sierra Wees.
Ryan Klitz: Ryan.klitz@hcps.net
Sierra Wees: Sierrawees9806@gmail.com
Jazz Band- The Kings of Swing
The “Kings of Swing” Jazz Band is a group which meets entirely after school once a week. This is an audition based group. The following instruments are included in Jazz Band, Trumpets, Trombone, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Drum Set, Piano, Bass Guitar/String Bass, Electric Guitar. Audition for Jazz Band will take place on November 4th at 2:45 pm. Audition Material will be handed out by Mr. Klitz. The “Kings of Swing” perform at every Band Concert, Jazz Band MPA, as well as a few community performances throughout the year. This past year they were the live music at King’s IB Freshman Class Signing Night! Email Ryan Klitz for more information on how to join the Kings of Swing, contact Ryan Klitz at ryan.klitz@hcps.net.
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is the top performing Concert Ensemble at King High School. They perform an eclectic array of wind band literature that challenges students. This group is composed of primarily upper classmen with students who have been playing their instruments for a minimum of two years. This ensemble rehearses during class time (Instrumental Ensemble 1-4) and will occasionally meet for after school rehearsals. Any students looking to joining Wind Ensemble should contact Ryan Klitz at ryan.klitz@hcps.net.
Symphonic Band
Looking to learn a new instrument? The Symphonic Band is our concert ensemble composed primarily of freshmen or students who are looking join band for the first time. We accept students of any ability level. The Symphonic Band rehearses during school (Band 1-4) and may meet after school for dress rehearsals.
The Symphonic Band last year played “Pixar Movie Favorites” by Michael Brown and “Pandora” by Randall Standridge. Symphonic Band is a great place to learn a new instrument and have fun while doing it!
Full Orchestra
The Full Orchestra is an auditioned-based group which rehearses solely after school. Students who make Full Orchestra will be given music and a month’s worth of time to practice on their own in preparation for Concert Season. As the Concert approaches, students will have 3-4 rehearsals to put music together as a group. This ensemble will be tons of fun, but is not recommended for beginners. Any students interested in joining Orchestra or a String ensemble should look at our Orchestra Website!