Facts and Questions about Band

• You will have a chance to learn one of the following instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba and percussion. Sorry, we do not offer string instruments at this time.

• You will have a chance to join the largest group on campus. Next year we will have over 400 students in band at SFMS. The next largest will be the chorus. Over half the school will be in one of these two groups. You will not want to miss out. YOU CAN DO BOTH!

• How do I pick an instrument? We will help you. We will have an Instrument Fitting on May 14th from 5:00-8:00 PM at SFMS where you can try three different instruments and we will help you choose a great fit. 

• Will there be after school rehearsals/events? In the first year, there are no after school rehearsals. We give a concert in December and a few more in May. We enjoy a fun trip to Six Flags and there are some optional events open to sixth-grade band members who excel. 

• Band is a regular daily connections class that will meet for the entire year. You will still have a chance to experience all of the other connection classes, including P.E. You can also enroll in chorus for the year. You do not have to choose one over the other. 

• How do I join? Fill out the link below. 

• Do I need any experience? NO! We teach you everything you need to know.

• Do I need to buy an instrument? Please wait until we try the instruments before obtaining an instrument. Some instruments are provided by the school: tuba, bassoon, limited number of horns and euphoniums. Other instruments, you will need to rent or purchase from area music stores or reputable music dealers. 

• Some recent accomplishments of the SFMS Band: our band has been a featured performing group at the University of Georgia and University of Troy, we had 52 students selected for the Georgia Music Educators Association District Honor Band, 13 students were selected for the GMEA All-State Band, Straight Superior ratings at our Evaluation Events, won Best in Class and Gold Award at Festival Disney in 2025. 

• Why Band? Research findings suggest children who are in music programs see significant benefits in reading, math, and logical-sequential thinking. In addition, high school students who remain in a quality music program also average 20 to 40 points higher on the SAT on both the math and verbal portions. Music majors have the highest rate of acceptance to medical schools. Annually, National Merit Scholars are involved in music programs more than any other single activity in school. Other added benefits are a development of cooperation, self-expression, responsibility, discipline, patience, self-esteem, listening skills, and potential life-long enjoyment of music.

• Can I be in other clubs? Yes, our band students are active in numerous clubs and sport activities and still manage to participate in the band.

• What do I do if I am undecided? Sign up for the band! This is your best chance to learn an instrument. If you are unsure, come try it. If you wait until later, there may not be another chance.