Future Band Members
Why join Band?
In the Fredericksburg Band Program we teach our kids a number of life skills outside of those necessary for playing an instrument. We teach our students organizational skills, effective communication, long term patience and effort on a given task, self-confidence, coordination, teamwork, conceptualizing, and discipline, all while teaching them how to play their instrument!
Additionally, there is a lot of research on student’s participation in band and the positive results students see. Being in band can:
help raise SAT scores
help get into college
help prevent dropping out of college
help go to college for things outside of music, like medical school
Instrument Selection
Each spring, the band directors will do an instrument evaluation on students to determine what they will play with the most success. There is no musical experience necessary, but students do need to have an open mind to what instrument they will play starting in Beginning Band. Sometimes what instrument a student really wants to play is not the instrument that they will be most successful on. Instrument selection will be based on physical characteristics, pre-determined instrumentation needs, instrument availability, facilities, etc. Students interested in percussion will test on wind instruments, as well as percussion.
Instrument Placement for 2024-2025
Instrument placement for the 2024-2025 school year has already happened, but it is not too late! If your student would like to be in band please contact Mrs. Oreka at bonnieo@fisd.org to get started!
Instrument/Materials for Band 2024-2025
Students and Families are responsible for supplying their instrument materials (listed on the materials sheet emailed after instrument testing in May) by the first day of school. We highly encourage all students to find their instrument materials early so they have time to shop around and find the best deal. If there are any questions concerning instruments or materials, please contact Mrs. Oreka. The students will need to supply a 1-inch black binder, a 5 pack of dividers, a pencil pouch, and sharpened pencils with their band supplies.
When you click the link below, it will take you Hillje's website. Just search 'Fredericksburg' , then select your students instrument, then load your cart with the necessary accessories, check-out, and then those items will be delivered to the FMS Band Hall before the first day of school!