KHS Vocal Music Director: Ian Heetland

Chamber Singers: The auditioned Choral Ensemble at KHS. Designed for the student interested in an intense and rewarding music making process, The Chamber Singers have a rich and continuous history of choral excellence. An auditioned group and a subset of the Concert Choir, the Chamber Singers perform at community events in the Knoxville area, attend honor choir, conference choral festivals, and state sponsored contests. Students focus on expanding their already vast understanding of music by fostering musical independence, utilizing advanced sight-reading, and exploring a wide variety of music from each period. They have a tradition of attainaing consistent Division 1 ratings at the State Large Group Contest. Auditions are help every semester, a roster space is limited to 6 of each voice part. 

• KHS Vocal Music Director:  Ian Heetland

• KMS Vocal Music Director:  Anna Fuelberth

Concert Choir: The non-auditioned Choral Ensemble at KHS. Students with a wide variety of interests and musical abilities make up this choral ensemble that performs at concerts throughout the year as well as at the State Large Group Contest in May. All students in Concert Choir receive 1-1 voice lessons with Mr. Heetland to better aid them individually in their music-making journey. Students focus on singing fundamentals, basic music theory, and sight reading. Students are also introduced to different music from across ages/genres, from the renaissance to vocal jazz/pop and are showcased with solo performance opportunities at the Spring Pop's Show. The choir also tours nationally every 4 years, and members of the group are encouraged to pursue other vocal opportunities offered throughout the year, such as the spring musical, honor choirs, and All-State. 

KHS Drama Sponsor: Jessica Duffy

Drama Club provides opportunities for students to participate in all aspects of theatre. Acting, Dancing, Singing, Technical, Design and Management. Each year, the club produces a spring musical and is working toward expanding its program to include a smaller fall production, along with masterclasses and other performance education opportunities for students who are interested in theatre as a career or a hobby.

 Activities include:
-Spring Musical Monthly Prep Class (September-November)
-Spring Musical Auditions (November)
-Spring Musical Rehearsals (January-February)
-Spring Musical Performances (March)

KHS Flag Sponsor: Makayla Marks

The color guard has a unique responsibility to interpret music through visual effects. Using a variety of colors and movements, members of the color guard can set the mood of any marching band song. In color guard, we will also emphasize training in the student’s ability to spin, dance, and perform. It is very much a group activity, so learning to perform together is the ultimate goal (along with having fun of course!Winter Guard is an extension of our year that allows students to expand their skills and be creative in crafting their own choreography.

KHS Drum Line Sponsor:  Clayton Hunn

In a marching band, the drumline is split into two sections — the battery and the front ensemble — both of which play an integral role of being the glue that holds the entire band together. Between the short, percussive sounds of the battery to keep time or the various colorful sounds of the front ensemble to dress up the music, the drumline adds a lot of dimension to the marching show.

Many students who participate in the drumline are not percussionists by trade but take on the responsibility to learn a second, third, or even fourth instrument! What’s more fun than getting to say you know how to play four instruments?

• KHS Instrumental Music Director: Zach Collins
• KMS Instrumental Music Director: Tim McBride

Marching Band is an ensemble which combines musical and visual performance, and consists of woodwinds, brass, percussion, and a color guard. Each fall the Marching Band prepares an original field show, refining their performance skills in rehearsals both during and outside of school hours. The KHS Marching Panthers perform at home football games and compete regionally in various marching band festivals.

• KHS Instrumental Music Director: Zach Collins
• KMS Instrumental Music Director: Tim McBride

The Concert Band consists of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Preparing and performing several concerts throughout the school year, students are exposed to music from a variety of styles and time periods. Members have the option to further develop their musical talents through participation in honor bands, State Solo & Small Ensemble contest, and the Iowa All-State Music Festival. The band performs for a rating in State Large Group Contest each May.

• KHS Instrumental Music Director: Zach Collins
• KMS Instrumental Music Director: Tim McBride

The Jazz Band is an auditioned ensemble with limited instrumentation. A typical jazz band includes saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section made up of piano, electric guitar, string bass, and drums. Jazz music focuses heavily on improvisation and allows each player to express their individuality through their playing. Beginning their season midway through the fall semester, students in the jazz program have the opportunity to perform for numerous audiences, both locally and in competitions across the state.

• KHS Instrumental Music Director: Zach Collins

The Pep Band plays an array of popular music both new and old, from various genres. The purpose of this ensemble is to promote school spirit and to create a high-energy, positive atmosphere at home athletic events. All band students are required to attend a minimum number of performances throughout the basketball season. The Pep Band may occasionally be asked to perform in postseason events away from home, when appropriate.

Academic Club Sponsor: Lisa Hermsen

The Academic Club was created for students who wish to participate competitively in rounds of quick recall trivia using a buzzer system for responses. There are multiple competitions throughout the year: Knowledge Bowl, Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl, Academic Bowl and more. The question subjects include math, English language arts, science, fine arts, sports and entertainment trivia, and current events. The club meets monthly and during panther time to prepare for competitions holding practice rounds and determining teams.

Art Club Sponsor: Evy Beal

The Art Club is open to all students and is an opportunity for students to get together and discuss, work on, and build on their artistic skills. This club gives students the chance to learn from one another and explore multiple facets of artistic expression.

Camera Club Sponsor: Jason DeBower

Students explore the realm of photography that cannot be covered in class. Members receive a variety of photography opportunities such as of middle school teams and at various high school games. The final experience for many students is to have their work entered into photography exhibits.

Coding Club/Esports Sponsor: Katy Fleming

In Coding Club, we explore the realms of computer science that can't be covered in the classroom. Examples of concepts that we explore are animation, game design, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. We encourage anyone who wants to learn more about those subjects, or anything related to computers to join!

The Esports Club allows all students the opportunity to compete in organized scrimmages, tournaments, and leagues through video games. Members will compete as a team to develop and improve their skills in whichever games they choose to compete in. As the popularity of esports continues to grow so do the scholarship opportunities and the colleges looking to recruit players. As a member of the Esports Club you have the opportunity to receive local and national recognition for your achievements in games. Members are encouraged to attend in person meetings, log practice hours, and attend matches during the seasons they choose. Esports has 4 seasons: Fall Major, Winter Open, Spring Major, and Summer Open.

Debate Sponsor:
Knoxville Debate focuses on policy and public forum debate within the Central Iowa Debate League in which we weigh the benefits against the harms of creating change or maintaining the status quo in a wide field of contemporary issues relevant to the United States as a nation. Activities include:
-Biweekly meetings and practices
-Hosting one debate meeting per season
-Weekly debate meets in October through November
-Championship Banquet rounds

DECA Sponsors: Jason DeBower

Family, Community & Career Leaders of America (FCCLA) Sponsor: Jessica Conard

The FCCLA Chapter is open to all high school students.  Members work together on a variety of projects including working with children, nutrition, and career exploration.  Members also participate with other school districts in district and state activities.

FFA Supervisor: Tiffany Johnston

All students enrolled in an Agricultural Science class are FFA members.  Students choose the outside class activities they wish to participate as their time allows.  FFA strives to develop students' potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.  Activities include:
-Monthly meetings
-Feed the Farmer Day (October)
-Nana Jana Fun Run (September)
-Contests (throughout the year)
-Livestock judging (September)
-National Convention (Oct)
-State Convention (April)
-2nd grade PALS (monthly)
-Elementary Farm Day (May)
-County Fair (July)
-State Fair (August)
-Meals From the Heartland (Spring)
-Salvation Army Bell Ringing (December)
-Blood Drive (November and April)

Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Sponsor: Ieland Flanagan & Erin McBride

GSA is a club where students learn about different identities and topics within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. In addition to weekly meetings, members of the GSA have the opportunity to attend events presented by Iowa Safe Schools in Des Moines. All students are welcome to join. Activities include:
-Meetings (Weekly)
-Student Day at the Capitol (January)
-Governor's Conference (April)

Mock Trial Sponsor: Lisa Hermsen

Students take on roles of attorneys and witnesses to perform an imitation trial. Students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Activities include:
-Practice (Twice a week January-March)
-Regional Mock Trial (mid March)
-State Mock Trial (end of March)

National Honor Society Sponsor: Matt Heston

The Knoxville High School Chapter of The National Honor Society exists as the highest honor that the KHS faculty can bestow upon students who show exemplary levels of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.  NHS students serve as student ambassadors and participate in various volunteer activities throughout the school year.  Activities include:
-Meetings (5 times a year)
-Induction Ceremony (November)
-Salvation Army Bell Ringing (December)
-Fundraising for Coaches vs. Cancer (January)
-Tour guides for 8th grade orientation (March/April)
-Assistants for Scholarship Night (May)
-Student Leaders for Youth Frontiers (September)

Science Club Sponsor:  Teresa Culbertson
Science Club is open to all students.  The purpose of Science Club is to provide members with additional opportunities for exploration in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) that are not available in classroom space or time not available in the classroom.  Science Club enjoys responding to student requests for topics including: college visits, employer tours, visit the Science Center of Iowa for special exhibits or IMAX films, lab nights with specific themes (projectiles, flames, foam, or 'how does that work?') These may happen any time of year.  Activities include:
-Lab night @ KHS, foam/flames/fog?  Parents are invited (September)
-Fall Trip to 1 of Chicago / St. Louis / Minneapolis (October)
-Harvest, Raise, Decorate the Christmas Tree in KHS Commons (December)
-Fundraising and  planning for summer trips (January)
-Canoe or Kayak training & fun @ Knoxville Rec Center (March)
-Summer Trip: Typical is 10 days, 3-8 states traveled, camping and lots of outdoor activities.  This is the most well-remembered of our activities. (June)

Skills USA Sponsor: Jordan Downing

Skills USA mission is to improve the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce through the development of SkillsUSA Framework skills that include personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics.  Students will work on the development and construction of special projects as well as have the opportunity to compete in various construction and manufacturing skills competitions.

Spanish Club Sponsor: Amy Lee

Spanish Club is open to all students, even ones who do not speak Spanish or who are not enrolled in a Spanish class. Members will explore the Spanish culture, language, and cuisine. We will celebrate Spanish holidays, play games, and participate in trivia. Our goal is to learn and have fun.

Special Olympics Advisor:  Megan Ritchhart

Special Olympics works with students with disabilities to help them stay active, maintain relationships with peers, and to network with others.  Students age 8 and up are eligible to compete in Special Olympics events.  KCSD started our Special Olympics team in 2019, and competes in three events each year.  If an athlete wins their event at the regional competition, they advance to a state competition.  We also work to participate in Unified Sports events, where students with disabilities participate in activities alongside their non-disabled peers.
-Regional bowling competition takes place in October, with the state bowling tournament occurring in November.
-Regional basketball skills competition takes place in January, with the Mid-Winter Tournament occurring in March.
-Regional track and field competitions take place in April, with the Summer Games competition occurring in May.

Speech Sponsor: Jessica Duffy

Knoxville Speech participates in the Iowa High School Speech Association in both Large Group and Individual Events.  Speech provides students with opportunities for performance in a variety of categories which include acting, musical, original oratories, extemporaneous speech, the reading of poetry and prose, and expository addresses. Activities include:
-South Central Conference IE Speech
-IHSSA District Speech (Large Group and IE)
-IHSSA State Speech - upon qualification (Large Group and IE)
-IHSSA All-State  - upon qualification (Large Group and IE)

Student Senate Co-Sponsors: Rhonda Douglas and Whitney McWilliams

Student Senate is a government organization that is elected by the student body.  Student Senate is responsible for organizing activities, to address issues from the student body and to help fundraise for various projects/goals/school improvement.  Activities include: 
-Homecoming and activities (September/October)
-Winter Formal (December)
-Food Drives (October/December)
-Steal Your Heart (February)
-Steal Your Luck (March)
-Spring Fundraiser (Varies)
-Meetings (weekly to monthly, dependent on time of year)

Trapshooting Sponsors:  Ryan Hardman

The purpose of the shooting team is to shoot trap, skeet and sporting clays with the emphasis on proper gun handling and safety.  Trapshooting is a school recognized activity that is not sanctioned by the IAHSAA or IGHSAU.  Students in trapshooting are subject to the district code of conduct and state mandated scholarship rule.  Activities include: 
-Practice (March-June)
-Competitions (April)
-State Trap Meet (June), 
-Skeet and Sporting Clays (June)

Yearbook Sponsor:  Katy Fleming

Yearbook develops, creates, and markets the annual yearbook.  This includes selling advertising space to local businesses. Yearbook meets as a regular class, but students are expected to regularly attend other school functions for the purpose of coverage.