Shelby Goss

Co-Director of Bands

• Maize High School
• Maize Middle School
• Maize Intermediate School

Did you know that Shelby is Maize HS and K-State Alumni? She has been on our MHS Band Staff since in 2018 and we could not be more thrilled to have her! But hey, we need to share her music education bio with you. More bio coming soon! 

Connor Siler

Co-Director of Bands

• Maize High School
• Maize Middle School
• Maize Intermediate School
• Percussion Instructor

Through his four-year stay at Friends University, Connor received a double performance major in Classical Piano and Jazz Drum Set.  He is also a performing musician with four years of teaching experience in the Wichita and Kansas City area. Performance groups have included Lisa Hittle Jazz Plus combos, Soulstice, the Nathan Borton trio, and numerous churches. Additionally, Connor is an accomplished accompanist for choir, vocal and instrumental soloists. Some of his notable performances include performing at the annual JEN conference, KU Jazz Festival, and the Kansas Music Educators Association conference. 

While teaching as a private piano and percussion instructor, Connor’s students have learned how to play classical, jazz, pop, rock, and a variety of Latin styles of music. Students of Connor have performed in recitals and competitive contests, playing at high levels. 

Ethan Jeffries

Co-Director of Bands

• Maize High School
• Maize Middle School
• Maize Intermediate School

Ethan is our newest member to our Band Staff, but he is not new to our program. We are excited to have him with us and will share his bio soon! 

Jill Harper

Color Guard Instructor

• Maize High School

Jill Harper is in her third year teaching the Maize High Color Guard. She was grateful to have found color guard through the Richland High School Band in Fort Worth, TX. After a difficult family tragedy the previous year, Jill found a true family within the band and gained personal confidence through guard. This experience speaks to her philosophy that anyone can participate in color guard who is willing to be a part. Jill is married to her husband, Mason, and has two children. Zeke, MHS alum and percussionist, and Suzi, MHS freshman, oboist, and guard member. She also has one pet, Leo the Dog, who is an aspiring violinist.

Sydnee Smith

Assistant Percussion Instructor

• Maize High School

Sydnee is currently a Senior Music Education major at Friends University. Before coming to Friends, she spent her first 2 years of her undergrad at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina KS where she participated in 7 ensembles, vocal and instrumental. At Friends, she has participated in 5 ensembles, vocal and instrumental as well as playing pit percussion for the theater department. Sydnee participates in the Hutchinson Municipal Band and the Hutchinson Symphony as a percussionist. You can also find Sydnee leading worship at her church on Sunday mornings.