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), and one high school (grades 9-12). Band begins in grade 6 where students meet for 50 minutes every other day in instrument specific classes. Band students in 7th and 8th grade rehearse for 50 minutes daily.

Band students in high school meet for 50 minutes each day. All band students in grades 9-12 participate in a concert band throughout the entire school year. Students are placed into one of three concert bands (Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band) based on an audition. 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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John Wilson
Director of Bands - Raymore-Peculiar High School

Mr. John Wilson is currently in his twenty-eighth year in music education and his fifth year as Director of Bands at Ray-Pec High School. Mr. Wilson directs and assists with the band program from Intermediate School to High School. Mr. Wilson is a native of Sedalia, Missouri. He graduated from Smith-Cotton High School and obtained his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Southwest Baptist University and a Master of Science in Education Degree, Secondary School Administration, from the University of Central Missouri.

Mr. Wilson is married to Missy Wilson. He has a daughter Whitney who is a senior at Southeast Missouri State University where she will be graduating with a graphic desigh/photography double major. His son Nicolas is a senior at Ray-Pec where he plays French Horn, runs cross country, and debates.

Mr. Wilson is a member of Phi Beta Mu, Missouri Bandmasters Association, Missouri State Teachers Association, and Missouri Music Educators Association.

Email: john.wilson@raypec.org
Phone: 816-892-1428

Dillon Jarrett
Band Director - South Middle School

Dillon Jarrett has been a member of the music faculty in the Raymore-Peculiar School District since 2006. He teaches at South Middle School 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. He is currently working toward a Doctor of Musical Arts degree through Boston University.

Throughout his education, Mr. Jarrett has had opportunities to learn from some of the countries 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, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity, the Missouri Music Educators Association, and the Missouri Bandmasters Association.

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

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Jennifer Gibson
Band Director - East Middle 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: 816-892-3999 x7405

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Travis Houston
Band Director/Percussion - High School, 
​South Middle School, & East Middle School

Travis Houston is in his third year of teaching after graduating from the University of Missouri – Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance in 2016 with a Bachelor in Music Education with an emphasis in Instrumental Education. During his time at UMKC, he performed with the UMKC Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Symphonic Orchestra and various chamber ensembles. Additionally Mr. Houston has also served as the drumline instructor & percussion clinician at Lee’s Summit West High School for the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 school years and was the Winter Drumline Instructor at Blue Springs South High School in 2016.
 
Outside of school, Mr. Houston has performed with various High School Choirs in the Kansas City Metro Area and numerous Kansas City ensembles including the Village Presbyterian Symphonic Orchestra, the Lee’s Summit Symphony and the Kansas City Fountain City Brass Band. Mr. Houston currently holds a studio percussion position for the Allegro Choirs of Kansas City where he has been since 2012 and is currently in his second season as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs Rumble Drumline. 
 
Mr. Houston currently lives in Lenexa, KS and is an active member in the Boy Scouts of America, where he earned his Eagle Scout in 2008. He is also a member of the National Association for Music Educators, the Percussion Arts Society, the National Education Association and the American Bandmasters Association..

Email: travis.houston@raypec.org
Phone: 816-892-3999

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