Director: Mr. Doug Schaffer

Concert Band and Jazz Band

2025-2026 Concert Schedule
December 14, 6:00 p.m.: Christmas Concert
March 1, 6:00 p.m.: Winter Concert
May 3, 4:00 p.m.: Spring Concert

Description
Because Concert Band and Jazz Band are credited courses, their descriptions are provided in our Curriculum Guide via the following link: “Academics” menu, “Curriculum” page

Marching Band (including Color Guard)

2025-2026 Competition Schedule
September 6: Southern Illinois Marching Percussion Festival (Centralia HS)
September 13: Metro-East Marching Classic (O’Fallon HS)
September 27: Panther Invitational (Eastern Illinois University)
October 18: Bands of America (The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis)
October 25: Illinois Marching Band Championships (University of Illinois

Description
The Mater Dei Marching Knights (MDMK) have a long-standing tradition of excellence in both Clinton County and the metro-east area.  This success is a direct result of the dedication of our musicians and color guard.

All Mater Dei students are welcome to join marching band or color guard, as prior experience is not required.  (Note that musicians in the marching band are required to enroll in concert band.  Also note that musicians in concert band and marching band are exempt from P.E.)

Parades: The MDMK participate in the Clinton County Fair Parade, the St. Louis VP Parade, the Mater Dei Homecoming Parade, and additional local parades (as applicable).

Field Show Performances and Competitions: The MDMK perform at all home football games, as well as competitions during the months of September and October (Saturdays).

Practice Schedule – Parades: In the summer, prior to the first parade, new members attend a training camp, during which they learn the skills of marching.  Additional rehearsals for the full ensemble are also held prior to a parade.

Practice Schedule – Field Show: In the summer, all members attend a two-week band camp, during which they learn the field show music and drill.  (Traditionally, this camp is held the last week of July and the first week of August, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.).  Following band camp, rehearsals for the full ensemble are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through the conclusion of the marching season (late October).  During the week of a competition, an additional rehearsal is held on Monday.

Pep Band
The pep band provides spirit-filled entertainment at all home varsity boys basketball games.

Practices are held prior to each game.

To participate in pep band, a student must also participate in marching band.  Additionally, all marching band members must participate in pep band.