For many years, the Seaman Schools Band, affectionately known as the Pride of North Topeka, has been a cornerstone of the district’s commitment to excellence in music education and school spirit. With a rich history marked by remarkable performances, state-wide recognition, and community engagement, the Seaman High School Band is known for dedication, unity, and the unique atmosphere it brings to every event. There have been many to contributed over the years.
Cary Stahly joined the Seaman Band in 1998 and began a transformative journey with the program. His initial goal, set by the administration, was ambitious; develop a large, competitive marching band; and he succeeded. Under Stahly the marching band reached an impressive 240 members. Stahly didn’t stop there, he worked diligently to rebuild the jazz program, aiming to return it to the golden era of Gary Stroud. Under Stahly’s guidance, the jazz program flourished, boasting two jazz bands and a combo, with the band being invited to be showcases at the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) convention multiple times.
In 2010, Anna Kennedy joined the Seaman Band staff after graduating from Kansas State University. What started as her first job became a lifelong passion, and she now celebrates 15 years with the program. For 12 of those years, Anna served as Assistant Director, but in recent years, she has taken the helm as Director of Bands, continuing the tradition of excellence established before her while leaving her own unique mark on the program.
Stahly is now at Seaman Middle School, focused on preparing students to soon join the award-winning Seaman High School Band.
The middle school band serves as the essential pipeline for the high school program. By focusing on marching fundamentals, public performances, and music theory, middle school students are well-prepared for the rigours of high school band life. Eighth graders even get to march and perform in public, ensuring a smooth transition into the high school ensemble.
A marching band is much more than just music at a football game—it’s the heartbeat of the event. Anna Kennedy believes the band plays an integral role in creating the vibrant, electric atmosphere of Friday night lights, working in harmony with the cheer team, Vikettes, and auxiliary dance team. The band’s ability to energize the crowd can alter the game’s momentum, providing support for the players and coaches while showcasing the hard work and dedication of Seaman's talented musicians.
The selection of songs during the game is strategic, designed to meet the moment and engage the crowd. For example, when the game reaches third down on defense, the band strikes up the Darth Vader theme, with students clapping to the beat, hoping to intimidate the opposition and rally support from the stands.
Some of the band’s most entertaining traditions come from the students themselves. From the catchy cadence Rico Suave, complete with the call and response "Rico Suave, aight!", to the dance that accompanies the Bernie cadence, the chants are a fun, engaging way for students to connect and create memories. One chant even references the early 2000s rapper Mike Jones—although the question of who Mike Jones is, remains a mystery to many students.
The band members have dance moves themselves which are part of the band’s rich history. Around 2000, Jeremy Albert, a drumline instructor, introduced dance moves and percussion choreography. Since then, these traditions have grown, with current students adding their own flair and moves to new cadences and stand tunes, ensuring each generation leaves its mark on the program.
The Seaman High School Band fosters a sense of unity, tradition, and school pride. Through annual concerts, parades, and competitions, the band becomes a powerful representation of Seaman's values. The marching band’s halftime shows, spirited pep tunes, and long-standing traditions like the dances that accompany their cadences bring the school and community together in a shared celebration of excellence.
Seaman’s band program plays a significant role beyond the school itself, serving as an important link between the students and the wider community. Whether supporting athletic events, performing at public concerts, or competing in regional events, the students understand that they represent not only their school but the entire community. This connection fosters discipline, hard work, and a sense of responsibility that benefits students long after they graduate.
The moniker “The Pride of North Topeka” was coined by Seaman parent Ed Cowan, who created the band’s first website. Seaman High School embraced the title, integrating it into the band's identity, particularly during Homecoming performances. The name not only reflects the pride the students and community have in their band, but it also symbolizes the connection between the band and the broader Seaman community.
While halftime performances and pep songs add fun and energy to games, the core of Seaman’s band program is a high-quality music education. The band’s competition pieces anchor its commitment to technique and musicianship, allowing students to perform at the highest levels. Finding the balance between showmanship and musical precision is a hallmark of Seaman’s band, and it’s something Kennedy and the entire music education staff strive to achieve with each performance.
As the Seaman Schools Band continues to evolve, its deep-rooted traditions, combined with the innovative leadership of directors like Cary and Anna, ensure that the program remains a source of pride and excellence for the community. From halftime shows to jazz performances, the band exemplifies what it means to be “The Pride of North Topeka”—a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of students and musicians.