About FMS Bands

Freeport Middle School offers three instrumental ensembles: 6th Grade Band, 7th & 8th Grade Band, and 7th & 8th Grade Jazz/Pep Band.  Students also offered instruction in a small group lesson. Lesson groupings are determined by instrument and musical ability.  All groups and ensembles are structured in hopes that each student gains a life-long love and understanding of music through performance on a musical instrument. 

FMS 6th Grade Band

The FMS 6th Grade Band is open to all Freeport Middle School students.  Many sixth graders already have experience being a part of a school band. However, students who have not previously studied an instrument and would like to join are encouraged to do so.  These students will arrange for a private lesson before or after school.  Students may choose from any instrument in the woodwind or brass families.  Students who would like to play percussion will be accepted at the teacher’s discretion. Although we try to give every student their first choice of instruments, we are also trying to create a balanced ensemble and sometimes we have to make compromises.

Sixth-grade full band occurs during BCS (Band/Chorus/Study hall). In addition to the full ensemble meeting, each student has a half-hour lesson once a week.  These lessons are scheduled during the unified arts block unless other arrangements are made.  Students wishing to start an instrument will need to commit to a before or after-school lesson.

FMS 7th & 8th Grade Band

The FMS 7th & 8th Grade Band is also open to all Freeport Middle School students. All students receive small group lessons according to their instrument and their ability level.  Lessons are focused on a method book, band music, and some small ensemble work. 

7th & 8th Grade Jazz Band/Pep Band

This group also meets once a week during BCS. All members of the jazz/pep band must also be in the 7th & 8th Grade Band.  All instruments are accepted.  The jazz/pep band performs a wide variety of music: latin, rock, swing, and an occasional TV theme song.  Jazz band is not graded.  It is intended to give students additional performance opportunities, introduce them to jazz, and give them a chance to play some popular music. Pop music is the focus for the first half of the school year.