Truman High School

Truman High School is a public high school located in Independence, Missouri, serving students in grades 9-12. It is named after hometown resident U.S. President Harry S. Truman and his family. The mascot of Truman is a patriot, and the school's colors are red, white, and blue. Truman students are competitive with students from surrounding areas, but mostly towards William Chrisman, their cross-town rivals.AthleticsTruman is a member of the Missouri State High School Activities Association. As of the 2009-2010 school year, in athletic activities Truman is a Class 5 school in basketball (girls and boys) and football. Truman is a Class 4 school in baseball, cross-country (girls and boys), boys' golf, softball, track and field (girls and boys), volleyball, and wrestling. The school is a Class 3 school in soccer (girls and boys) and is a Class 111 school in tennis (girls and boys) and girls' golf.Forensics and musicTruman's debate and competitive drama department has been ranked among the top high schools in the National Forensics League. Truman is Class 1 for speech and debate, Class 5 for music activities, and Class 4 for Academic Team (aka Scholar's Bowl which is what the school formally calls the activity). In 2009 the Academic Team had an impressive showing at the MSHSAA State Championship placing 5th, just missing the semi-finals. Truman High School's Patriot Marching Band is active from July through the end of October, performing at home football games as well as multiple marching competitions. Starting in November, the band is then split into Symphonic, Concert, and Freshmen bands. Placement for the bands are based on a students audition. Freshmen band is exclusive for Freshmen, while the Symphonic and Concert bands are available to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Truman's orchestra is divided into the Concert and Symphonic classes. Freshmen begin in Concert and have the opportunity to audition to be in Symphonic the next year. Students not in Symphonic can stay in Concert.