Important Information for Parents and Students

Student Expectations
1. Students will practice their instruments outside of the regular class time. Practice homework is part of every band student’s grade.
2. Students will make arrangements to attend all performances and practices as part of their commitment to the FMS Advanced Band.
3. Students will care for and be responsible for their instrument and uniform. Students will follow the checkout procedure for the use of a school instrument. Students and parents must sign an instrument use agreement before an instrument can be checked out.
4. Students will follow all school and class rules of conduct both in and out of the classroom and on field trips.
5. Students will maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average in all classes to remain in band.
6. All students are expected to improve their performance level on their instruments.



Student Performance Commitment

The Advanced Band and Colorguard are our main performing groups. We will perform outside of regular school hours. Advanced Band students and those performing with the advanced band are expected to participate in all performances. This will include parades, concerts, adjudicated music festivals, amusement parks, etc. See our performance calendar for more details. Parents and students need to plan ahead and make arrangements to attend all performances. Without full participation, we will not be able to perform.


Fundraising
Thank you for your support during our ongoing fundraisers. Our needs include uniforms, instruments, supplies, music, etc., all of which come at a significant cost. Fundraising is the only way that we can continue to supplement the demands of a successful program. We will continue to raise money throughout the year and all students are asked to participate. Parental support is also needed with the Cedar “Band Aides”. All parents are welcome to join. The Band Aides support our music programs through fundraising efforts. We need more representation from middle school band parents.

Parent Involvement
Parents are asked to participate in fundraising events such as cookie dough sales, food booths, etc. Parents are also asked to help with chaperone duties on field trips, etc. Help is also needed with uniform maintenance, and providing snacks and water at parades.

Performing Groups and Courses Offered

Beginning Band
Students will learn the beginning fundamentals of playing an instrument and reading music. Regular practice and concert attendance is required.

Advanced Band
For students who are ready for advanced level music and performance. Students are expected to attend all concerts, performances, and extra rehearsals. Prerequisite: Beginning Band participation and/or teacher approval through audition.

Strings
For students who are either beginning or advanced in their music and performance skills. Students are expected to attend all concerts and performances. Next year, this class will be split into a Beginning Strings class and an Advanced Strings class.


Color Guard
Students will learn skills common to the color guard and marching band idiom. The color guard performs at concerts and with the marching band in parades. The group may also perform at color guard competitions. Extra rehearsals may be required. Class involves regular physical fitness training.

Jazz Band
A before school hours group (starting second semester) that studies and performs music common to the jazz idiom. This class prepares students for participation in the high school jazz band.

Marching Band
Made up of advanced band, color guard and select other band or string members. This group performs music from the standards published and governed by the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association. The marching band and color guard perform in parades and marching performances in and out of the community.