(removed 5/16/2011)
Reminder to all FMS (and some FIS) students who are participating in the Solo and Ensemble Festival here on Saturday morning:
- Bring a second copy of music with measures numbered for the judge
- Bring $5 registration fee per event you are in. Register in the front lobby beginning at 7:30 a.m. (closes at 11:30 a.m.) Ensemble partners register at the same time.
- You may perform anytime between 8:00 a.m. and noon. Judging ends at noon.
- Dress neatly!
- Parent workers are still needed for various roles during the morning. Student workers are welcome too, they just need to work under the direction of the adults.
Save the date! Band Awards Banquet - May 20 - all seventh and eighth grade and families. FIS sixth graders are also invited and will be recognized and promoted to the FMS program. Invitation will go home on May 6 (we hope.)
Seventh and Eighth grade band and string ensemble students will be traveling to the FSSD elementary schools for the annual performance tour on the dates listed below. These tours can be very disruptive to the academic class teachers' planning and teaching, so we must be diligent about the students' responsibility for their missed class work. "I was on band tour" will not be an excuse for turning in any work late or not knowing about an assignment. The privilege of making these out-of-school performances comes with the responsibility for staying ahead - not behind - in the academic classes missed. Parents please be aware of this schedule and how it impacts your child:
- April 28: perform at Franklin Elementary 9:30 a.m. Students will miss periods 2, 3 and 4
- May 3: perform at Liberty Elementary 1:00 p.m. Students will miss periods 1 and 2.
- May 9: perform at Moore Elementary 9:30 a.m. and Johnson Elementary at 1:00 p.m. Students will miss all but 7th period. Students should bring money for fast food lunch.
- May 17: perform at Freedom Intermediate at 1:00 p.m. Students will miss periods 1 and 2.
Parents are needed as chaperones and to help with the loading and unloading of equipment. (We will have a rental truck on three days and a parent's farm trailer on the 9th.
Other dates to remember:
- May 7 - FMS regional solo and ensemble festival 8am - noon
- May 14 - Franklin Rodeo Parade (some after school practice the week preceding)
- May 16 - FIS fifth and sixth grade band spring concert
- May 20 - FMS Band Banquet
Freedom Solo and Ensemble Festival - May 7, 8:00 a.m. - Noon. All area instrumental students, regardless of school or age, are welcome to enter this event. Approximately 500 events have been judged at this festival in recent years. It is an informal format with registration at the door and first come, first serve judging. Scroll the bottom of our Fundraisers tab for full information. Area band and orchestra directors who would like to bring or send students are encouraged to contact a band director for more information and to help us plan.
New Band Students - Grade 5 and up, 2011-2012 school year:
Following the performances at our elementary schools as listed above, the band directors will be visiting each elementary school building to hold an "instrument fitting" session for all new students who wish to participate in beginning band next year at Freedom Intermediate School (as well as for any student not presently in band who will be in grades six, seven or eight next year.) "At these sessions, each child will be shown how to hold and make sounds on every instrument in order to determine on which they will likely be most successful. Registration information will be distributed at the elementary schools and should be returned to the band directors in May so that new students can be scheduled in the beginning band classes next fall. Please note the following dates and times of these instrument fitting sessions and try to come to the one scheduled for your particular elementary school if at all possible. Students must have their choice of instrument confirmed by a band director. Watch for information to be sent home with your child soon. In the meantime, see the "How to Join" page of this website for more details:
- Moore Elementary, May 10, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Franklin Elementary, May 12, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Johnson Elementary, May 17, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Liberty Elementary, May 18, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Freedom Intermediate School, May 24, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Two additional sessions will be scheduled in late July or early August for new students and late sign-up. A balance of all instruments must be considered as students sign-up, so please note that by July or August, some instrument sections may be full. It is best to have your choice confirmed this spring if at all possible.
(removed 5/5/11)
Freedom Spring Arts Festival tonight - Instrumental music begins at 7:00 p.m. in this order: String Ensemble, Jazz Band, Seventh and Eighth grade Concert Bands. Student call time is 30 minutes prior with the exception of jazz band which will warm up at 6:00.
Ferns and flowers from our current fundraiser will be delivered this Thursday, April 28 and may be picked up after school that day or the following, Friday, April 29. A limited number of extra plants were ordered. Parent help is needed for unloading and organizing at noon on the 28th and after school both days.
Seventh and Eighth grade band and string ensemble students will be traveling to the FSSD elementary schools for the annual performance tour on the dates listed below. These tours can be very disruptive to the academic class teachers' planning and teaching, so we must be diligent about the students' responsibility for their missed class work. "I was on band tour" will not be an excuse for turning in any work late or not knowing about an assignment. The privilege of making these out-of-school performances comes with the responsibility for staying ahead - not behind - in the academic classes missed. Parents please be aware of this schedule and how it impacts your child:
- April 28: perform at Franklin Elementary 9:30 a.m. Students will miss periods 2, 3 and 4
- May 3: perform at Liberty Elementary 1:00 p.m. Students will miss periods 1 and 2.
- May 9: perform at Moore Elementary 9:30 a.m. and Johnson Elementary at 1:00 p.m. Students will miss all but 7th period. Students should bring money for fast food lunch.
- May 17: perform at Freedom Intermediate at 1:00 p.m. Students will miss periods 1 and 2.
Parents are needed as chaperones and to help with the loading and unloading of equipment. (We will have a rental truck on three days and a parent's farm trailer on the 9th.
Other dates to remember:
- May 7 - FMS regional solo and ensemble festival 8am - noon
- May 14 - Franklin Rodeo Parade (some after school practice the week preceding)
- May 16 - FIS fifth and sixth grade band spring concert
- May 20 - FMS Band Banquet
Freedom Solo and Ensemble Festival - May 7, 8:00 a.m. - Noon. All area instrumental students, regardless of school or age, are welcome to enter this event. Approximately 500 events have been judged at this festival in recent years. It is an informal format with registration at the door and first come, first serve judging. Scroll the bottom of our Fundraisers tab for full information. Area band and orchestra directors who would like to bring or send students are encouraged to contact a band director for more information and to help us plan.
New Band Students - Grade 5 and up, 2011-2012 school year:
Following the performances at our elementary schools as listed above, the band directors will be visiting each elementary school building to hold an "instrument fitting" session for all new students who wish to participate in beginning band next year at Freedom Intermediate School (as well as for any student not presently in band who will be in grades six, seven or eight next year.) "At these sessions, each child will be shown how to hold and make sounds on every instrument in order to determine on which they will likely be most successful. Registration information will be distributed at the elementary schools and should be returned to the band directors in May so that new students can be scheduled in the beginning band classes next fall. Please note the following dates and times of these instrument fitting sessions and try to come to the one scheduled for your particular elementary school if at all possible. Students must have their choice of instrument confirmed by a band director. Watch for information to be sent home with your child soon. In the meantime, see the "How to Join" page of this website for more details:
- Moore Elementary, May 10, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Franklin Elementary, May 12, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Johnson Elementary, May 17, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Liberty Elementary, May 18, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Freedom Intermediate School, May 24, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Two additional sessions will be scheduled in late July or early August for new students and late sign-up. A balance of all instruments must be considered as students sign-up, so please note that by July or August, some instrument sections may be full. It is best to have your choice confirmed this spring if at all possible.
(removed 04/26/11)
SPRING PLANT SALES BEGINS 4-5-2011!
Order forms and information for our last plant sale of the year were distributed in classes today. We sell 10" hanging baskets of ferns (three varieties,) geraniums (three colors,) petunias (five colors,) impatiens and a gift certificate to the Fernwood Farms Garden Center in Colombia. Orders will be taken through April 21 and all orders must be turned in by April 22. (We are not in school that day but will call our supplier that morning.)
Go to our Fundraisers tab and scroll down for full information and to find an order form which you may download.
Other dates to remember:
- April 16 - MTSBOA solo and ensemble at Oliver Middle School, register by March 15
- April 26 - FMS Arts Festival, all instrumental groups 7:00 - 8:00
- May 7 - FMS regional solo and ensemble festival 8am - noon
- May 14 - Franklin Rodeo Parade (some after school practice the week preceding)
- May 16 - FIS fifth and sixth grade band spring concert
- May 20 - FMS Band Banquet
Freedom Solo and Ensemble Festival - May 7, 8:00 a.m. - Noon. All area instrumental students, regardless of school or age, are welcome to enter this event. Approximately 500 events have been judged at this festival in recent years. It is an informal format with registration at the door and first come, first serve judging. Scroll the bottom of our Fundraisers tab for full information. Area band and orchestra directors who would like to bring or send students are encouraged to contact a band director for more information and to help us plan.
(04/04/11)
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FREEDOM SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE BAND! They earned ratings of I-Superior from all four judges at MTSBOA Concert Performance Assessment, Friday, March 4.
Other dates to remember:
- March 10 - FMS Shoot for the Stars - jazz band tentatively set to perform
- April 16 - MTSBOA solo and ensemble at Oliver Middle School, register by March 15
- April 26 - FMS Arts Festival, all instrumental groups 7:00 - 8:00
- May 7 - FMS regional solo and ensemble festival 8am - noon
- May 14 - Franklin Rodeo Parade (some after school practice the week preceding)
- May 16 - FIS fifth and sixth grade band spring concert
- May 20 - FMS Band Banquet
(02/25/11)
FMS students are currently preparing for their annual Concert Performance Assessment (a.k.a. Concert Festival). This MTSBOA sponsored event will be held at White House Heritage High School, White House, TN. Our assigned day/time is Friday, March 4, at 2:00 p.m. Need to know items for Friday:
- Students should bring their concert dress clothes to school with them on Friday. We will change before we leave.
- Students will assemble in the band room at the start of 3rd period on Friday for a last rehearsal. We will eat lunch at 10:30 and change clothes at 11:00 to be ready to pull out at 11:30.
- Our assigned time makes it impossible to use school busses, requiring the expense of a charter bus. The charter bus seats slightly fewer than the number of students going on the trip, so a couple of parents may be assisting with transportation. The cost of this charter bus is approximately $650.00. We do not have funds set aside for this expense, so we are asking students for a voluntary contribution of $5 - $10 to off-set the cost.
- We perform at 2:00 p.m. Parents in the audience are welcome and encouraged to attend.
- We should arrive back at FMS around 4:30
Other dates to remember:
- March 10 - FMS Shoot for the Stars - jazz band tentatively set to perform
- April 16 - MTSBOA solo and ensemble at Oliver Middle School, register by March 16
- April 26 - FMS Arts Festival, all instrumental groups 7:00 - 8:00
- May 7 - FMS regional solo and ensemble festival 8am - noon
- May 14 - Franklin Rodeo Parade (some after school practice the week preceding)
- May 16 - FIS fifth and sixth grade band spring concert
- May 20 - FMS Band Banquet
(02/01/11)FMS students are currently preparing for their annual Concert Performance Assessment (a.k.a. Concert Festival). This MTSBOA sponsored event is March 2, 3 or 4, our assigned day/time to be announced, at White House Heritage High School, White House, TN. Take note of the following dates and expectations for students:
- Home work practice assignments due on February 8, 15, and 22. A minimum of 60 minutes practice on the two selections for concert festival is required to be turned in and signed by a parent on this form.
- After school section and full band rehearsals are scheduled for February 8, 10, 15, and 17 until 4:00.
- Full band rehearsal, mandatory for all, Tuesday, February 22, until 4:30
- Concert and sight-reading demonstration for parents, Thursday, February 24, 7:00 p.m. Call for students is 6:30 p.m. in concert dress.
- Individual playing tests: Eighth Grade assessments divided into four separate sections to be submitted on Smartmusic by February 8, 14, 18 and 25. Seventh grade assessments due by February 25 - two grades will be recorded: one for Liberty March and the other from the highest grade earned on the four assigned segments of Creed. If you do not have Smartmusic at home and must use school computers to submit, DO NOT wait until the due date. We have only five computers, so you will have no more than 10 minutes to record and submit an assessment. If you haven't already, this is a great reason to get Smartmusic at home!
(01/05/2011)BIG NEWS FOR THE FMS BAND! We just learned on January 2 that we will march in the Inaugural Parade for incoming Governor Bill Haslam, in downtown Nashville, on Saturday, January 15. What an honor! The festivities begin at 11:00 but we do not yet know the details of our schedule for the day.
We will wear our red wind shirts for the parade, but for this event, black pants are needed instead of jeans. These should be slacks, in the style of "khakis", but black. Typically, you can find these at stores such as Gap, Old Navy, Target, Walmart, and Lands End (where we order our logo shirts.) Students should also attempt to wear tennis shoes that are as near to all black as possible.
Congratulations to Freedom Middle Students who earned a seat in one of the All-Mid-State ensembles. Auditions for band and string orchestra were held in December. Band students will have their All-Mid-State clinic and performance January 6 - 8, and string students will have their event January 13 - 15, gathering for the weekend along with hundreds of other Middle TN student musicians in Murfreesboro.
All-Mid-State Middle School Band: Audrey Binnicker, flute; Samantha Smith, clarinet; Katie Dierberger, French horn; Abigail Yann, French horn; Nathan Dial, alternate French horn.
All-Mid-State String Orchestra: Angela Baldwin, violin; Joseph Choi, viola; Trent McDermott, bass; Madeline McDaniel, alternate cello.
Freedom Intermediate School Band December 13 concert (snowed out) has been rescheduled for Tuesday, January 11, in the FIS gymnasium. Fifth grade will perform at 6:30 and should report to school, ready to play at 6:00. Sixth grade will perform at 7:30 and should be ready to play as soon as the fifth grade program is finished.
(last update 11/09/10)
ALL STUDENTS: The annual poinsettia sale began on Friday, November 5. Orders will be taken through Friday, November 19. Delivery will be Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4. Parent volunteers are needed for all aspects of the sale, from counting orders and money, to organizing delivery and distribution. Please contact Ms. Grooms to volunteer.
Open band room at FMS: For all students who wish to practice in a supervised setting, Mr. Garey will have the FMS band room open most Sundays from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and some Thursdays from 6:00 - 8:00 as announced (though it is always good to confirm with him before hand - gareymar@fssd.org.) He will be at FIS on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons till 4:00 starting with November 11.
FREEDOM MIDDLE
Veteran's Parade - this Thursday, November 11, at 11:00 a.m. We have just learned that The Freedom Band will lead the parade!!!! Any student who has not checked off their music played by memory has one more day to do so! Students should wear blue jeans and their white band logo polo shirt. If they do not have this, they must wear a plain white polo shirt. We will distribute our uniform wind shirts to wear over them if it is cool.
Congratulations to our students who participated in the MTSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festival at Oliver Middle School on Saturday, November 6. Our students earned 11 Superior ratings and one Excellent rating. Great job!
Franklin Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 4, 1:00 p.m. - all 7th and 8th grade band (after school practices in the days beforehand.)
FMS Holiday Concert, Friday, December 10, 7:00 p.m.
MTSBOA All-Mid-State Band auditions, Saturday, December 11, McGavock High School, Nashville. Students trying out must have pre-registered with the band directors before November 4.
FREEDOM INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL BANDS
We are into our second quarter and moving along in Essential Elements Book I at a quicker pace now. Parents should be seeing and hearing instruments at home on a regular basis. Remember that students are accountable by grading for good, daily participation, so don't leave that instrument at home!
Progress reports went home today at FIS with a band newsletter attached.
Mark your calendar - FIS Bands' first parent program - Monday, December 13, 7:00 p.m., FIS!
(last update 11/01/10)
ALL STUDENTS: The annual poinsettia sale will begin on Tuesday, November 2. Orders will be taken through Friday, November 19. Delivery will be Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4. Parent volunteers are needed for all aspects of the sale, from counting orders and money, to organizing delivery and distribution. Please contact Ms. Grooms to volunteer.
Open band room at FMS: For all students who wish to practice in a supervised setting, Mr. Garey will have the FMS band room open most Sundays from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and some Thursdays from 6:00 - 8:00 as announced (though it is always good to confirm with him before hand - gareymar@fssd.org.)
FREEDOM MIDDLE -Veteran's Parade is coming up on Thursday, November 11, at 11:00 a.m. All seventh and eighth graders are preparing to participate, and all should be working to check off their music played by memory before the parade. Upcoming practices:
- Tuesday, November 2: all percussion, 7th and 8th, after school till 4:00
- Thursday, November 4: all students, 7th and 8th, after school for parade lineup and practice till 4:00
- Monday, November 8: all students, 7th and 8th, after school parade practice till 4:00
- Tuesday, November 9: all students, 7th and 8th, after school parade practice till 4:00
MTSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festival, Oliver Middle School , Saturday, November 6 - for those students who pre-registered
Franklin Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 4, 1:00 p.m. - all 7th and 8th grade band (after school practices in the days beforehand.)
FMS Holiday Concert, Friday, December 10, 7:00 p.m.
MTSBOA All-Mid-State Band auditions, Saturday, December 11, McGavock High School, Nashville. Students trying out must have pre-registered with the band directors before November 4.
FREEDOM INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL BANDS -We are into our second quarter and moving along in Essential Elements Book I at a quicker pace now. Parents should be seeing and hearing instruments at home on a regular basis. Remember that students are accountable by grading for good, daily participation, so don't leave that instrument at home!
Mark your calendar - FIS Bands' first parent program - Monday, December 13, 7:00 p.m., FIS!
10/7/10
ALL STUDENTS: Mums and Pansies from the recent fundraiser sale should have all been picked up and delivered by now. There are still about 8 - 10 students who have not picked up as of today and the plants are not looking as good as they should! The poinsettia sale will be in early November with delivery on the first weekend of December. Be planning ahead! It looks like the mum and pansy sale generated a good profit compared to the previous year or so. We'll have an exact figure for you soon.
ALL STUDENTS : If your family missed the Smartmusic demonstration on September 21, go to the website - www.smartmusic.com and see the video and information for students and parents. ALL students are strongly encouraged to use this software at home on their own computer. It is used in all seventh and eighth grade classes currently. Fifth and sixth graders who use this software may increase the pace of their progress by working independently with Smartmusic, receiving individual teacher assignments and feedback as needed. (At the present time, FIS has no computers for our use at school, but we hope that in the future this will change.)
FREEDOM MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENTS :
For those of you who turned in reservation form, group tickets are set to see/hear The Blue Man Group, November 18, TPAC, in Nashville. You will receive an email or other correspondence with the balance due on your tickets. We also will need to know how many of you will want transportation with FSSD bus. We will figure the cost of transportation based on the number who request it.
Dates to remember: Seventh and eighth grade band marches in the Franklin Veteran's Day parade on November 11, 11:00 a.m. The students will also march in the Franklin Christmas parade on Saturday, December 4. Students will be receiving the music for the parades soon and it will need to be memorized and played individually, counting as a graded item. (Don't worry - it's short and simple.) Holiday performance for all band and string ensemble students: Friday, December 10. All-Mid-State band and orchestra auditions are December 11. Registration for this will be one month prior - plan ahead.
FREEDOM INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL BAND INFORMATION:
Parents - Mr. Garey and Ms. Grooms are both noticing that many of our fifth and sixth graders are not playing their instruments outside of class. A regular routine of home playing and practice is essential in learning to play an instrument. 90% of what your child will learn this fall will be learned outside of band class, on their own as they try to repeat and master any skill or information that is presented to them in class. Our classes receive less than 30 minutes of direct instruction and have anywhere from 40 - 70 students per group. Assignments for home which will include some verification from you are forthcoming. Go ahead and ask where that instrument is and ask to hear it!
09/28/10:
ALL STUDENTS: Mums and Pansies will be delivered to Freedom Middle School on Wednesday, September 29 and available for pickup after school till 5:00, again on Thursday after school till 5:00, and on Friday till 4:00. Parents are needed to help with unloading and organizing of orders on Wednesday morning. Email Andrea Seal at alseal85@bellsouth.net if you can help, or just show up between 10:00 and 1:00.
ALL STUDENTS : If your family missed the Smartmusic demonstration on September 21, go to the website - www.smartmusic.com and see the video and information for students and parents. ALL students are strongly encouraged to use this software at home on their own computer. It is used in all seventh and eighth grade classes currently. Fifth and sixth graders who use this software may increase the pace of their progress by working independently with Smartmusic, receiving individual teacher assignments and feedback as needed. (At the present time, FIS has no computers for our use at school, but we hope that in the future this will change.)
FREEDOM MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENTS :
Group tickets are being arranged to see/hear The Blue Man Group, November 18, TPAC, in Nashville. The reservation form given to students was due back with a down payment on Monday, September 27.
All Freedom Band and String students are expected to participate in two solo and ensemble events during the course of the school year. (See the Activities and Information page for a full description.) The first of four opportunities is coming up with an event at Oliver Middle School in Nashville on November 7. Students who wish to participate must have their registration form and $7.00 fee to us no later than October 6 so that we can meet our registration deadline with the Middle TN School Band and Orchestra Association.
Seventh and Eighth grade band students will be playing at the last FMS home football game on Thursday, September 30, at Fred Lane Stadium at Freedom Intermediate School. The FMS band room will be open from 5:15 - 5:45 for students who need to pick up their instrument. All students should be in the home stands at the stadium at 6:00 p.m. The games last approximately one and one-half hours - parents should be in place at FIS to pick up their child as soon as the game is over.
FREEDOM INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL BAND INFORMATION:
Parents - Mr. Garey and Ms. Grooms are both noticing that many of our fifth and sixth graders are not playing their instruments outside of class. A regular routine of home playing and practice is essential in learning to play an instrument. 90% of what your child will learn this fall will be learned outside of band class, on their own as they try to repeat and master any skill or information that is presented to them in class. Our classes receive less than 30 minutes of direct instruction and have anywhere from 40 - 70 students per group. Assignments for home which will include some verification from you are forthcoming. Go ahead and ask where that instrument is and ask to hear it!
09/14/10
ALL STUDENTS: The annual fall mum and pansy sale begins on Friday, September 10 with orders taken through Friday, September 24. Plants will be delivered to the school on September 29. Students may pickup to deliver their sales on September 29, 30, or October 1. See the Fundraiser page of this website for all details and a printable order form.
ALL STUDENTS : A Smartmusic demonstration and training session for parents and students will be held on September 21, at 7:00 p.m. in the Freedom Middle School band room. ALL students are encouraged to have this software at home. At the present time, all 7th and 8th graders are in the midst of submitting playing tests via Smartmusic, either using our computers at school, or from home with their personal subscriptions. All 5th and 6th graders will need to learn this software as well, and its use will be incorporated into their classes later this fall.
FREEDOM MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENTS :
Seventh and Eighth grade band students will be playing at the FMS home football game on Thursday, September 9 and September 30, at Fred Lane Stadium at Freedom Intermediate School. The FMS band room will be open from 5:15 - 5:45 for students who need to pick up their instrument. All students should be in the home stands at the stadium at 6:00 p.m. The games last approximately one and one-half hours - parents should be in place at FIS to pick up their child as soon as the game is over.
Students should wear their white band logo polo (or a plain white polo if they have not ordered this yet - see the Activities and Information page within website for ordering info.) Band students do not pay admission - the band shirt and instrument in hand will admit them. Students may bring money for concessions during the third quarter. All students should have their own flip-folio for pep band music. These are available for purchase at our local music stores.
The band will travel by bus to the away game against Grassland on September 16 with supper on the way- the exact schedule will be shared in class early next week.
Announced 9/14 - We will have pizza and soft drinks for students in the FMS band room at 4:30 p.m. on the 16th, then travel by bus to Grassland, leaving around 5:15. We will return to FMS by bus after the game and students may be picked back at school, about 7:45. If parents wish to pick up at the game, they must see a band director before leaving with their child.
Also 9/14 - all seventh and eighth graders received in class today the travel permission form for all possible band travel this school year and the calendar of events for the year (concerts, practices, etc.) All of these will be available here on the website soon, but look for them coming home today.
Coming up:
The annual Williamson County Marching Band Exhibition - Saturday, September 18, at Centennial High School stadium. The marching band from every county high school will perform their fall show. All eighth graders feeding these schools are involved in a mass band performance at the end of the evening. While only our eighth graders are directly involved, we encourage all of the Freedom students and families to come watch the show. Freedom eighth graders will be guests of CHS and FHS bands in the afternoon and travel with them to the event. All the county eighth graders will rehearse together at 6:00, prior to the show. Exact details will be coming soon. Parents do be planning to attend this great show - you'll pick your kids up at the show when it is over.
Both FHS and CHS have now shared specific invitations for their band's activities with students via handout in class - both bands are going out of their way to make this event a great one for our students!
FREEDOM INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL BAND INFORMATION:
All FIS students made a selection for their Encore class on a form that came home on August 17 . Every student must choose one Encore class and will be scheduled into that class for the full school year. There are four choices: Band, Violin, Chorus, and Related Arts Encore. At this time, all students joining band should have had their instrument choice confirmed by a band director and the family should have made arrangments to secure an instrument, either renting from a local music store or by parent and director agreement to use a school-owned instrument. Students who still wish to join at this time may do so by having a parent contact a director.
ALL FIS Band students will begin regular daily classes on August 30. Students should have their instruments and books by this time, and all students should watch the DVD that comes with the book. Upon arriving at school, students should leave their instrument in the band room before proceeding to their first class. Band takes place during the Encore class periods which are approximately 1:05-1:35 for fifth grade and 1:40 - 2:15 for sixth grade. Students who play flute, clarinet, saxophone, and (initially) percussion will be taught by Ms. Grooms, and students who play trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba will be taught by Mr. Garey.
Progress reports came home with those from other classes, and a band news update was printed on the back. These are to be returned with parent signature. Please note that the directors will begin recording daily participation grades for fifth and sixth graders on Monday, September 13. If you did not get the progress report with news, details on the grading system can be found on the Activities and Information page of this website.
09/09/10
ALL STUDENTS: The annual fall mum and pansy sale begins on Friday, September 10 with orders taken through Friday, September 24. Plants will be delivered to the school on September 29. Students may pickup to deliver their sales on September 29, 30, or October 1. See the Fundraiser page of this website for all details and a printable order form.
FREEDOM MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENTS :
Seventh and Eighth grade band students will be playing at the FMS home football game on Thursday, September 9 and September 30, at Fred Lane Stadium at Freedom Intermediate School. The FMS band room will be open from 5:15 - 5:45 for students who need to pick up their instrument. All students should be in the home stands at the stadium at 6:00 p.m. The games last approximately one and one-half hours - parents should be in place at FIS to pick up their child as soon as the game is over.
Students should wear their white band logo polo (or a plain white polo if they have not ordered this yet - see the Activities and Information page within website for ordering info.) Band students do not pay admission - the band shirt and instrument in hand will admit them. Students may bring money for concessions during the third quarter. All students should have their own flip-folio for pep band music. These are available for purchase at our local music stores.
The band will travel by bus to the away game against Grassland on September 16 with supper on the way- the exact schedule will be shared in class early next week.
Coming up:
The annual Williamson County Marching Band Exhibition - Saturday, September 18, at Centennial High School stadium. The marching band from every county high school will perform their fall show. All eighth graders feeding these schools are involved in a mass band performance at the end of the evening. While only our eighth graders are directly involved, we encourage all of the Freedom students and families to come watch the show. Freedom eighth graders will be guests of CHS and FHS bands in the afternoon and travel with them to the event. All the county eighth graders will rehearse together at 6:00, prior to the show. Exact details will be coming soon. Parents do be planning to attend this great show - you'll pick your kids up at the show when it is over.
FREEDOM INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL BAND INFORMATION:
All FIS students made a selection for their Encore class on a form that came home on August 17 . Every student must choose one Encore class and will be scheduled into that class for the full school year. There are four choices: Band, Violin, Chorus, and Related Arts Encore. At this time, all students joining band should have had their instrument choice confirmed by a band director and the family should have made arrangments to secure an instrument, either renting from a local music store or by parent and director agreement to use a school-owned instrument. Students who still wish to join at this time may do so by having a parent contact a director.
ALL FIS Band students will begin regular daily classes on August 30. Students should have their instruments and books by this time, and all students should watch the DVD that comes with the book. Upon arriving at school, students should leave their instrument in the band room before proceeding to their first class. Band takes place during the Encore class periods which are approximately 1:05-1:35 for fifth grade and 1:40 - 2:15 for sixth grade. Students who play flute, clarinet, saxophone, and (initially) percussion will be taught by Ms. Grooms, and students who play trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba will be taught by Mr. Garey.
Progress reports came home today and a band news update was printed on the back. These are to be returned with parent signature. Please note that the directors will begin recording daily participation grades for fifth and sixth graders on Monday, September 13. If you did not get the progress report with news, details on the grading system can be found on the Activities and Information page of this website.
08/29/10
FREEDOM MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENTS :
Seventh and Eighth grade band students will be playing at the FMS home football game on Thursday, September 9 and September 30, at Fred Lane Stadium at Freedom Intermediate School. The FMS band room will be open from 5:15 - 5:45 for students who need to pick up their instrument. All students should be in the home stands at the stadium at 6:00 p.m. The games last approximately one and one-half hours - parents should be in place at FIS to pick up their child as soon as the game is over.
Students should wear their white band logo polo (or a plain white polo if they have not ordered this yet - see the Activities and Information page within website for ordering info.) Band students do not pay admission - the band shirt and instrument in hand will admit them. Students may bring money for concessions during the third quarter. All students should have their own flip-folio for pep band music. These are available for purchase at our local music stores.
Stay tuned for plans for the band to travel by bus to the away game against Grassland on September 16 with supper on the way- more info to come.
Coming up:
The annual Williamson County Marching Band Exhibition - Saturday, September 18, at Centennial High School stadium. The marching band from every county high school will perform their fall show. All eighth graders feeding these schools are involved in a mass band performance at the end of the evening. While only our eighth graders are directly involved, we encourage all of the Freedom students and families to come watch the show. Freedom eighth graders will be guests of CHS and FHS bands in the afternoon and travel with them to the event. All the county eighth graders will rehearse together at 6:00, prior to the show. Exact details will be coming soon. Parents do be planning to attend this great show - you'll pick your kids up at the show when it is over.
Fall Plant Sale! The first of Freedom's three annual plant sales - mums and pansies - will begin in September. Make plans now to buy your fall flowers from a band student!
FREEDOM INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL BAND INFORMATION:
All FIS students made a selection for their Encore class on a form that came home on August 17 . Every student must choose one Encore class and will be scheduled into that class for the full school year. There are four choices: Band, Violin, Chorus, and Related Arts Encore. At this time, all students joining band should have had their instrument choice confirmed by a band director and the family should have made arrangments to secure an instrument, either renting from a local music store or by parent and director agreement to use a school-owned instrument. Students who still wish to join at this time may do so by having a parent contact a director.
There will be an information meeting for parents of ALL FIS band students on Thursday, September 2, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., in the FIS band room. All parents are encouraged to be there, but especially, those who have never had a child in the Freedom band program should plan to have an adult representative there. Parents will learn about all aspects of the four-year program.
ALL FIS Band students will begin regular daily classes on August 30. Students should have their instruments and books by this time, and all students should watch the DVD that comes with the book. Upon arriving at school, students should leave their instrument in the band room before proceeding to their first class. Band takes place during the Encore class periods which are approximately 1:05-1:35 for fifth grade and 1:40 - 2:10 for sixth grade. Students who play flute, clarinet, saxophone, and (initially) percussion will be taught by Ms. Grooms, and students who play trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba will be taught by Mr. Garey.
08/24/10
Seventh and Eighth grade band students will be playing at the FMS home football game on Thursday, August 26, at Fred Lane Stadium at Freedom Intermediate School. The FMS band room will be open from 5:15 - 5:45 (exactly) for students who need to pick up their instrument. All students should be in the home stands at the stadium at 6:00 p.m. The games last approximately one and one-half hours - parents should be in place at FIS to pick up their child as soon as the game is over.
Students should wear their white band logo polo (or a plain white polo if they have not ordered this yet - see Activities page within website for ordering info.) Band students do not pay admission - the band shirt and instrument in hand will admit them. Students may bring money for concessions during the third quarter. All students should have their own flip-folio for pep band music. These are available for purchase at our local music stores.
Students will also perform at the home games on September 9 and 30. We will travel by bus to the away game against Grassland on September 16 with supper plans incorporated - more info to come.
FREEDOM INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL BAND INFORMATION -updated 8/24/10:
Click on a link below to download a copy of the band information brochure and registration form that was sent home in May with all fourth graders at Moore, Liberty, Franklin, and Johnson Elementaries, as well as with rising sixth and seventh graders at FIS.
FIS Joining Band Brochure (English) (Spanish)
Frequently Asked Questions (English) (Spanish)
All FIS students will be choosing their Encore class on a form coming home Tuesday, August 17. All forms should be turned in by now, 8/24. Every student must choose one Encore class and will be scheduled into that class for the full school year. There will be four choices: Band, Violin, Chorus, and Related Arts Encore. All students, including those who have pre-registered for band and chosen their instrument at a summer orientation, will need to return this form to school. At this time, all students should have had their instrument choice confirmed by a band director. Students who still wish to join at this time may do so by having a parent contact a director.
Information meeting for parents of ALL FIS band students: Thursday, September 2, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., in the FIS band room.
Students who are playing the school-owned instruments of French Horn, Baritone, and Tuba, or other school-owned instrument as arranged with a band director, may have their instrument checked out by a parent at one of the following times at the FIS band room: Thursday, August 19, 6:00 - 7:00; Tuesday, August 24, 5:30 - 6:30 prior to the FIS school open house; Thursday, August 26, 7:30 - 8:00 (after the FMS football game), or Friday, August 27, 2:30 - 3:00. Parents will need to sign the user agreement form and make payment toward the school instrument user fee. (There is assistance for students with financial need.)
For full details on all aspects of beginning band, please download the information brochure from the link above or browse the full website.
FIS Band Schedule for week of August 23 - students should come during their Encore class time on the following days, with their instrument and book. Even if students do not have their instrument, they should come:
- Tuesday - Flutes with Ms. Grooms and French Horns with Mr. Garey
- Wednesday - Saxophones with Ms. Grooms and Trumpets with Mr. Garey
- Thursday - Clarinets with Ms. Grooms and Trombones/Baritones with Mr. Garey
- Friday - Percussion (on keyboards) with Ms. Grooms and Tubas with Mr. Garey
ALL FIS Band students will begin regular daily classes on August 30. Students should have their instruments and books by this time |
