The purpose of the handbook is to acquaint every student and parent with the procedures of the FMS band program. Please read over the handbook and complete the student information form by clicking on the button at the bottom of this page.
Band Performing Groups
Sixth Grade Beginning Band:
Optional small group ensembles may be formed during the year based on student interest and scheduling capability.
- Sixth graders begin the year with a preparatory recorder class. During this time, students are introduced to the fundamentals of instrumental music by playing the recorder, a simple melodic instrument. Students who behave properly and give their best effort are encouraged to go on to beginning band.
- Sixth Graders will receive a recorder and recorder book to use in recorder class.
- After several weeks of recorder class, there will be a recorder concert and meeting about instrument selection/purchase.
- Sixth graders will have the opportunity to perform in the winter concert and spring concert. Sixth graders are eligible to be nominated for the GMEA District 7 Clinic Band.
- This class is designed to further the musical development of those students enrolled. Emphasis will be placed on tone production, music reading, scales, technique & style.
- Students in this band must audition for a chair placement at the beginning of the school year.
- Students will have multiple opportunities to perform in concert.
- Students perform at FMS home football games at Alexander High School.
- This is the first year students have the opportunity to audition for Douglas County Honor Band, District Honor Band, and All-State band. These are individual achievements, and private lessons are strongly suggested if your student wishes to participate in these opportunities! 7th Grade students are also eligible to be nominated for the GMEA District 7 Clinic Band.
- This is the first year students will participate in Large Group Performance Evaluations (also known as Band Festival). This is an event where the band performs together for a panel of judges for a rating. This is a group effort, and students are expected to attend all rehearsals and events associated with Large Group Performance Evaluations.
- This is the first year that students will participate in the overnight Spring Band/Chorus Trip.
- This class is designed to further the musical development of those students enrolled. Emphasis will be placed on tone production, music reading, scales, technique & style.
- Students in this band must audition for a chair placement at the beginning of the school year.
- Students will have multiple opportunities to perform in concert.
- Students perform at FMS home football games at Alexander High School.
- This is the second year students have the opportunity to audition for Douglas County Honor Band, District Honor Band, and All-State band. These are individual achievements, and private lessons are strongly suggested if your student wishes to participate in these opportunities!
- This is the second year students will participate in Large Group Performance Evaluations (also known as Band Festival). This is an event where the band performs together for a panel of judges for a rating. This is a group effort, and students are expected to attend all rehearsals and events associated with Large Group Performance Evaluations.
- This year, students will have the opportunity to visit Alexander High School and perform with the Marching Band at a Friday night football game.
- Students will participate in the overnight Spring Band/Chorus Trip.
Optional small group ensembles may be formed during the year based on student interest and scheduling capability.
Student Responsibilities
General:
There are many benefits that a student will experience as a member of the band. The intense concentration and training required to perform in band is the same kind of training that produces success in any field. Band develops coordination, organization, teamwork, and mental discipline. Bands invariably have a high percentage of the school’s top ranking students. Scholarship and musicianship go hand in hand.
With the cooperation of every student, parent and teacher, we can expect many enjoyable experiences affording musical growth, accomplishment, appreciation, and recreation. With these goals in mind, we can develop the pride and respect necessary for the continued success of the Fairplay Middle School Band program.
Attendance:
Band has a unique place in the school curriculum. While it is an academic class in the sense of having a definite program of study and expected competencies, there are many aspects of band that require participation outside of the school day. Thus, band is both curricular and extra-curricular. Students and parents should understand that the success of a band program depends upon each band member fulfilling his or her responsibilities to the whole group. To maintain a quality band program, participation is required of EVERY band member.
Band students should anticipate some required events outside of the normal school day. These dates are posted in advance on the band calendar, as to reduce potential conflicts. Because musical rehearsals and performances are an integral part of a well-rounded music education, students will receive a grade for contributing in these events.
If a student intends on missing an event for any reason, he/she must submit a written excuse from a parent. All written excuses should be turned in ONE-WEEK PRIOR to the event. If the absence was unforeseeable, the written excuse must be turned in within 48 hours of the student’s return to school. The decision as to whether or not an absence is “excused” or “unexcused” is that of the director. Examples of excused absences include personal illnesses (with a doctor’s note), a severe illness or death in the family, or a family wedding. If the absence is considered “excused,” the student may set up an appointment with a director to make up the grade.
Any student who misses a scheduled event without a written excuse may not be allowed to make up the grade. An unexcused absence may also result in a chair placement demotion or ineligibility for band trips and other privileges.
Behavior:
In order to maintain a successful learning environment for our band students, proper conduct from everyone is essential. Disobedience and/or disrespect will result in immediate consequences, according the seriousness of the offense. Parents will be contacted as determined by the nature and frequency of the offense. Students who break classroom policies may experience consequences such as removal from rehearsal, exclusion from special privileges, chair placement demotion, alternate assignments, detention, or office referrals.
A parent conference may be scheduled if a student receives a failing grade in band or becomes a chronic behavior problem. Such students will be automatically placed on band probation for the next grading period. During the probationary period, the student will be evaluated as to whether or not he/she should continue in the band program.
Students who demonstrate acceptable classroom behavior, ample practice time, and a positive attitude will be rewarded through special privileges and honors.
Classroom Procedures:
There are many benefits that a student will experience as a member of the band. The intense concentration and training required to perform in band is the same kind of training that produces success in any field. Band develops coordination, organization, teamwork, and mental discipline. Bands invariably have a high percentage of the school’s top ranking students. Scholarship and musicianship go hand in hand.
With the cooperation of every student, parent and teacher, we can expect many enjoyable experiences affording musical growth, accomplishment, appreciation, and recreation. With these goals in mind, we can develop the pride and respect necessary for the continued success of the Fairplay Middle School Band program.
Attendance:
Band has a unique place in the school curriculum. While it is an academic class in the sense of having a definite program of study and expected competencies, there are many aspects of band that require participation outside of the school day. Thus, band is both curricular and extra-curricular. Students and parents should understand that the success of a band program depends upon each band member fulfilling his or her responsibilities to the whole group. To maintain a quality band program, participation is required of EVERY band member.
Band students should anticipate some required events outside of the normal school day. These dates are posted in advance on the band calendar, as to reduce potential conflicts. Because musical rehearsals and performances are an integral part of a well-rounded music education, students will receive a grade for contributing in these events.
If a student intends on missing an event for any reason, he/she must submit a written excuse from a parent. All written excuses should be turned in ONE-WEEK PRIOR to the event. If the absence was unforeseeable, the written excuse must be turned in within 48 hours of the student’s return to school. The decision as to whether or not an absence is “excused” or “unexcused” is that of the director. Examples of excused absences include personal illnesses (with a doctor’s note), a severe illness or death in the family, or a family wedding. If the absence is considered “excused,” the student may set up an appointment with a director to make up the grade.
Any student who misses a scheduled event without a written excuse may not be allowed to make up the grade. An unexcused absence may also result in a chair placement demotion or ineligibility for band trips and other privileges.
Behavior:
In order to maintain a successful learning environment for our band students, proper conduct from everyone is essential. Disobedience and/or disrespect will result in immediate consequences, according the seriousness of the offense. Parents will be contacted as determined by the nature and frequency of the offense. Students who break classroom policies may experience consequences such as removal from rehearsal, exclusion from special privileges, chair placement demotion, alternate assignments, detention, or office referrals.
A parent conference may be scheduled if a student receives a failing grade in band or becomes a chronic behavior problem. Such students will be automatically placed on band probation for the next grading period. During the probationary period, the student will be evaluated as to whether or not he/she should continue in the band program.
Students who demonstrate acceptable classroom behavior, ample practice time, and a positive attitude will be rewarded through special privileges and honors.
Classroom Procedures:
- Be on time to every class and rehearsal.
- Come prepared with instrument, music, sharpened pencil, and supplies.
- Gather the above materials before class, sit quietly, and wait for class to begin.
- Treat all persons and equipment with respect.
- Follow directions perfectly.
- Keep computer mic turned off during class until Mr. Broome instructs you to turn it on.
- Food, drink, and gum are NOT permitted in the band room.
- Students are responsible for materials issued to them and are expected to replace lost items.
- All forms and permission slips must be turned in on time.
- All money must be turned in at the FMS front office. Please place money in an envelope indicating the student’s name, grade, period, and what the money is for. Checks may be made out to the Fairplay Middle School Band.
Band Performance Attire
The appearance of our students in performance says much about our band program, our school and community. Therefore, it is important that our students look clean, uniform and modest. FMS required concert attire includes:
FMS Band polo shirt, black dress pants, black socks, and black dress shoes. Black jeans or tennis shoes are not acceptable. All shirts must be tucked in before arriving at the concert facility. The polo shirt will be ordered in early October for 6th grade students and other students new to the program. The cost of the shirt is usually around $20. This is an additional cost not included in the annual band fee, and will be paid when the shirts are ordered in early October.
7th and 8th grade students participating in the FMS Pep Band will wear an FMS Pep Band t shirt. This shirt is new for the 2022-23 school year and will be ordered in early September. The cost of this shirt is included in the annual band fee.
FMS Band polo shirt, black dress pants, black socks, and black dress shoes. Black jeans or tennis shoes are not acceptable. All shirts must be tucked in before arriving at the concert facility. The polo shirt will be ordered in early October for 6th grade students and other students new to the program. The cost of the shirt is usually around $20. This is an additional cost not included in the annual band fee, and will be paid when the shirts are ordered in early October.
7th and 8th grade students participating in the FMS Pep Band will wear an FMS Pep Band t shirt. This shirt is new for the 2022-23 school year and will be ordered in early September. The cost of this shirt is included in the annual band fee.
Grading
Student grades will be calculated as follows:
Daily class work, 50%
Students will be graded on preparation for class and contribution in class. Points will also be deducted for failure to follow rehearsal procedures as outlined in the handbook. A daily grade of “zero” will be given if a student is present in class but does not participate on a given day.
Assessments, 35%
This includes playing tests, performances and rehearsals
Band Homework, 15%
Daily class work, 50%
Students will be graded on preparation for class and contribution in class. Points will also be deducted for failure to follow rehearsal procedures as outlined in the handbook. A daily grade of “zero” will be given if a student is present in class but does not participate on a given day.
Assessments, 35%
This includes playing tests, performances and rehearsals
Band Homework, 15%
- All practice records are due on Monday of each week.
- Practice records are meant as a motivational tool and are only effective when completed with total honesty. It is recommended that practice records be completed by parent and student together.
Instruments & Supplies
Supplies Needed for Band:
All students are required to have the following supplies:
Repairs:
Our band program is fortunate to receive visits from a local music retailer. If a minor repair for an instrument is necessary, the student may leave his/her instrument on the repair desk, along with a completed repair form. Our weekly service representative will handle the repair.
Instrument Storage:
All students are required to have the following supplies:
- Instrument in good working order
- Any necessary accessories such as reeds, valve oil, slide cream, etc.
- Pencil…not a pen!
- Band folder, music and/or method book (may have to be purchased again if lost or damaged).
- Percussionists must have their own med-hard yarn mallets, marimba mallets, timpani mallets, and snare drum sticks (Vic Firth SD1).
Repairs:
Our band program is fortunate to receive visits from a local music retailer. If a minor repair for an instrument is necessary, the student may leave his/her instrument on the repair desk, along with a completed repair form. Our weekly service representative will handle the repair.
Instrument Storage:
- The band room is equipped with lockers for instrument storage during the school day. Each student will be assigned a locker at the beginning of the school year. Only instruments and band folders may be stored in the band room lockers. Students may drop off their instruments before first period every morning, and may pick them up after the afternoon announcements. The instrument room is generally a safe place for storage; however, FMS cannot guarantee the safety of each instrument and assumes no liability for lost or stolen property. You may want to consider a lock for your student’s case. Instruments should not be left at school overnight or over the weekend.
- No student is permitted to touch an instrument other than his/her own.
- Students should identify their instrument, music, and supplies with their full name. Nametags for cases are available upon request.
Band Funding & Fees
Fundraising:
Although the Douglas County School System provides support to its band programs, it is impossible for any school system to fully fund a band program. Therefore, the FMS band, along with any other successful program, depends a great deal on fundraising. In order to minimize the number of fundraisers needed, every band member is expected to participate in the fall and spring fundraisers.
Band Fee:
Because band is such an enjoyable and enriching experience, we strive to make it financially reasonable for every family. At the same time, please remember that band is an investment in your child's future, which will require some expense. There are many cost involved in running a band program. Although much is covered through fundraisers, to offset the remaining cost, students are asked to pay a band fee at the beginning of each year. The fee is $55 per student and will cover the cost of your student's music, and other band related resources. This fee is due August 12th. If your family is unable to pay the annual band fee on time, please contact the band director for payment options. The band fee does not cover the cost of formal concert uniform shirt. This is a separate fee, and will be paid when the shirts are ordered in early October.
School Owned Instruments
School owned bassoons, bass clarinets, french horns, euphoniums (baritones), and tubas are available for student use. Students will be required to submit a school instrument rental agreement, along with a fee of $100 to cover general maintenance and upkeep of the instrument. Students will purchase all required accessories needed for their instrument.
Although the Douglas County School System provides support to its band programs, it is impossible for any school system to fully fund a band program. Therefore, the FMS band, along with any other successful program, depends a great deal on fundraising. In order to minimize the number of fundraisers needed, every band member is expected to participate in the fall and spring fundraisers.
Band Fee:
Because band is such an enjoyable and enriching experience, we strive to make it financially reasonable for every family. At the same time, please remember that band is an investment in your child's future, which will require some expense. There are many cost involved in running a band program. Although much is covered through fundraisers, to offset the remaining cost, students are asked to pay a band fee at the beginning of each year. The fee is $55 per student and will cover the cost of your student's music, and other band related resources. This fee is due August 12th. If your family is unable to pay the annual band fee on time, please contact the band director for payment options. The band fee does not cover the cost of formal concert uniform shirt. This is a separate fee, and will be paid when the shirts are ordered in early October.
School Owned Instruments
School owned bassoons, bass clarinets, french horns, euphoniums (baritones), and tubas are available for student use. Students will be required to submit a school instrument rental agreement, along with a fee of $100 to cover general maintenance and upkeep of the instrument. Students will purchase all required accessories needed for their instrument.
Private Lessons
Why Private Lessons?
Directors always strive to give as much individual attention to each student as possible, but due to time constraints, the size of the band class and the specific nature of each instrument, directors cannot reach each student as often as needed. As such, students are encouraged to study privately. With private lessons, not only will your student progress faster, but he or she will also be more likely to participate in district and state level honor bands. Successful band programs always have a great number of students enrolled in private lessons.
How Do I Enroll in Private Lessons?
It is important to find a reputable teacher for your child, so that you are getting the most value for your time and money. Most teachers charge between $25 and $30 per lesson. You might also be able to sign up for group lessons, which often cost less. It is best to attend lessons with your child, so that you can get an idea of what is being accomplished and so you can best understand how to help your child practice at home. If you are interested in private lessons for your child, see Mr. Broome for a list of local teachers.
Directors always strive to give as much individual attention to each student as possible, but due to time constraints, the size of the band class and the specific nature of each instrument, directors cannot reach each student as often as needed. As such, students are encouraged to study privately. With private lessons, not only will your student progress faster, but he or she will also be more likely to participate in district and state level honor bands. Successful band programs always have a great number of students enrolled in private lessons.
How Do I Enroll in Private Lessons?
It is important to find a reputable teacher for your child, so that you are getting the most value for your time and money. Most teachers charge between $25 and $30 per lesson. You might also be able to sign up for group lessons, which often cost less. It is best to attend lessons with your child, so that you can get an idea of what is being accomplished and so you can best understand how to help your child practice at home. If you are interested in private lessons for your child, see Mr. Broome for a list of local teachers.
Additional Tools
Music Stand:
Using a music stand makes personal practice easier and more enjoyable. Wire music stands are an inexpensive investment that can make a big difference. Wire music stands can be purchased at most music retailers.
Tuner/Metronome:
Each band member is encouraged to practice with a tuner and metronome. These can be downloaded on your smartphone for free. Simply search for a chromatic tuner and metronome in the app store.
Instrumental Method Books:
Another optional, but helpful tool is a sequential method book for your student. One example is the Rubank series, which is available for beginning, intermediate or advanced students. You can order one at any music store or online from most music distributors. Your private lesson instructor may recommend an alternate method book for your student.
All-State Sight Reading Books:
Sight reading is usually the deciding factor in whether or not a student is selected for All-State Band, District Honor Band or even top chair placement in the school band. The common belief is that a student “can either sight read or not.” This is a myth. ALL musicians can improve their sight reading, if they follow a sequential approach.
Three helpful books to develop sight reading:
See Mr. Broome if you have questions regarding any of these items or if you want any further “gift ideas” for your band student.
Using a music stand makes personal practice easier and more enjoyable. Wire music stands are an inexpensive investment that can make a big difference. Wire music stands can be purchased at most music retailers.
Tuner/Metronome:
Each band member is encouraged to practice with a tuner and metronome. These can be downloaded on your smartphone for free. Simply search for a chromatic tuner and metronome in the app store.
Instrumental Method Books:
Another optional, but helpful tool is a sequential method book for your student. One example is the Rubank series, which is available for beginning, intermediate or advanced students. You can order one at any music store or online from most music distributors. Your private lesson instructor may recommend an alternate method book for your student.
All-State Sight Reading Books:
Sight reading is usually the deciding factor in whether or not a student is selected for All-State Band, District Honor Band or even top chair placement in the school band. The common belief is that a student “can either sight read or not.” This is a myth. ALL musicians can improve their sight reading, if they follow a sequential approach.
Three helpful books to develop sight reading:
- 100 Days to Sight Reading Excellence by Timothy Cotov and Thomas Murphy. This book contains daily exercises designed to develop music reading skills.
- 204 Progressive Sight Reading Exercises by Roger Winslow. This book contains sight reading examples, which progress in level of difficulty.
- The ALL-STATE SIGHT READING book developed by Music Services Unlimited. Each book contains 200 sight reading examples. Many examples are actually former Georgia All-State sight reading excerpts from the past 20 years.
See Mr. Broome if you have questions regarding any of these items or if you want any further “gift ideas” for your band student.