About our program

Raymore-Peculiar is a single school district serving two communities. The district has seven elementary schools (grades K-5), two middle schools (grades 6-8), one Ninth Grade Center, and one high school (grades 10-12). Band begins in grade 6 where students meet daily in instrument specific classes. Band students in 7th and 8th grade rehearse for 45 minutes daily.

Band students in high school meet for class daily. All band students in grades 9-12 participate in a concert band throughout the entire school year. Students in grades 10-12 are placed into one of two concert bands (Wind Symphony or Symphonic Band) based on an audition. Students in grade 9 are placed into Concert Band or Percussion Ensemble.

​An auditioned group of students participates in a competitive marching band which rehearses two hours after school four days a week. Students are strongly encouraged to audition for All-District Band and Solo and Small Ensemble Festivals.

Band Staff

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Jennifer Gibson
​Director of Bands - Raymore-Peculiar High School

Jennifer Gibson began her career as a music educator in January 2002 when she joined the Raymore-Peculiar School District. Within the district she has taught both vocal and instrumental music classes. As a vocal music teacher, her Sixth Grade Choir performed at the Missouri Music Educators Association Convention in January 2009. As a band teacher, her groups consistently receive top ratings at area music festivals.
Ms. Gibson studied piano and flute throughout high school and college. She received her Bachelor of Instrumental Music Education from the University of Central Missouri as well as a Master of Instrumental Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois. Currently, she is pursuing her Specialist degree in Superintendency through William Woods University. 

Ms. Gibson's experiences and interests as a musician includes education and advocacy, performance, accompanying and composition. In her spare time she enjoys painting, hiking and spending time with her family. Ms. Gibson is a graduate of Sherwood High School and lives in Garden City, MO with her dog Sissy. Her professional affiliations include MMEA, MENC, MBA, and MSTA.


Email: jennifer.gibson@raypec.org
Phone: 816-892-1428

Dillon Jarrett
Band Director - South Middle & Ninth Grade Center

Dillon Jarrett has been a member of the music faculty in the Raymore-Peculiar School District since 2006. He teaches at South Middle School, the Ninth Grade Center, and assists the high school marching band. Mr. Jarrett earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri. While at Central, Mr. Jarrett held many leadership roles and performed in the school's top ensembles. In 2010, Mr. Jarrett completed his Master of Music Education degree from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois with an emphasis in instrumental Music. Mr. Jarrett completed a specialist degree (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study) from Boston University in 2020.

Throughout his education, Mr. Jarrett has had opportunities to learn from some of the country's best conductors including Craig Kirchhoff, Allan McMurray, and Paula Crider. Mr. Jarrett has served as the District Band Vice President for the West Central Missouri Music Educators Association and holds professional affiliations with The National Association for Music Education, the National Education Association, the Missouri Music Educators Association, and the Missouri Bandmasters Association.

Email: dillon.jarrett@raypec.org
Phone: 816-892-3999

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Zach Shupe
Band Director - East Middle School
Jazz Director - RayPec High School

Email: zach.shupe@raypec.org
Phone: 816-892-3999 x7405

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