Junior High Band

Beginning Band is an exciting introduction to music education. Students learn the fundamentals of playing an instrument, reading music, developing proper technique, and performing as part of an ensemble.

The first few months can be challenging as students learn new skills, but with consistent practice they make tremendous progress. Parents are encouraged to provide a regular time and quiet place for practice at home. Weekly playing tests help students monitor their progress and build confidence throughout the year.

Performances

Christmas Concert

November–December

The Christmas Concert is a required performance for all sixth-grade band students.

Performance Attire:

• Dress clothes are required.
• No T-shirts, jeans, shorts, or warm-up attire.
• Holiday-themed attire is encouraged but not required.

Band Boosters host their annual cake auction following the concert.

Contest Season

January–May

Students continue developing their performance skills while preparing for spring performances and educational events.

The annual Sandy Lake Band Festival combines musical performances with a day at the amusement park, creating a fun and rewarding experience for students.

Spring Concert

May

The Spring Concert is the culminating performance of the school year and is required for all Beginning Band students.

Every Fairfield Junior High Band student must have an instrument. Students may either:

• Use a personally owned instrument, or
• Check out a school-owned instrument (when available).

Every student using a school-owned instrument must complete an Instrument Responsibility Form before the instrument can be issued.

Parents or guardians must also provide a current phone number or email address so the band directors can reach them if needed.

Personally Owned Instruments

Students using personally owned instruments are responsible for all maintenance, care, and repair costs.

Fairfield ISD is not responsible for the maintenance, repair, storage, or replacement of personally owned instruments.

School-Owned Instruments

Before accepting a school-owned instrument, students should carefully inspect it and note any existing damage on the Instrument Responsibility Form.

Students will not be held responsible for damage that existed before the instrument was checked out.

Damage occurring after checkout falls into one of three categories.

Normal Wear and Tear

Normal wear occurs naturally as instruments are used over time. Students are not responsible for repair costs resulting from normal wear.

Accidental Damage

Accidents sometimes happen. Because instruments are valuable, students are expected to handle them with care at all times. Responsibility for repair costs resulting from accidental damage will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Intentional Damage

Students who intentionally damage school-owned instruments will be responsible for the full cost of repairs. Appropriate disciplinary action may also be taken in accordance with district policy.