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Band

Fairfield ISD Band

Whether students are beginning their musical journey in sixth grade or performing with the Grand Band from Eagleland, Fairfield ISD's band program provides opportunities to grow as musicians, leaders, and teammates. Students develop confidence, discipline, teamwork, and lifelong friendships while proudly representing Fairfield ISD in performances, competitions, and community events.

Our comprehensive band program serves students in grades 6–12, providing a strong musical foundation while encouraging excellence, leadership, and school pride. From a student's very first note in beginner band to performances on the football field, concert stage, and beyond, Fairfield ISD Bands prepare students for success both in and out of the classroom.

Meet the Directors

Russell Holland

Director of Bands
Russell.Holland@FairfieldISD.org

Gust Witt

Assistant Band Director
Gust.Witt@FairfieldISD.org

Carla Sparks

Assistant Band Director
Carla.Sparks@FairfieldISD.org

 

 

 

Our Programs

Beginner Band (6th Grade)

Sixth-grade band introduces students to the fundamentals of music through daily instruction and hands-on learning. Students develop proper playing techniques, music reading skills, rhythm, tone production, and performance etiquette while learning the value of practice, responsibility, and teamwork.

Throughout the year, students participate in concerts and performances that celebrate their growth and accomplishments.

Junior High Band (7th & 8th Grades)

As students continue through junior high, they build upon the skills learned in beginner band while preparing for more advanced performances and competitions. Students perform at pep rallies, concerts, UIL events, and other school functions while continuing to strengthen musicianship, leadership, and ensemble performance.

Junior high band members also have opportunities to audition for All-Region Band and participate in educational trips and special performances.

High School Band

The Fairfield High School Band offers students a well-rounded musical experience through marching band, concert band, jazz studies, UIL competitions, pep band, and community performances.

Students develop advanced musical skills while building leadership, responsibility, and school spirit. Many graduates continue their musical careers through college bands, scholarships, and lifelong participation in music.

 

Performance Opportunities

Band students have numerous opportunities throughout the school year to perform and represent Fairfield ISD, including:

  • Football games
  • Pep rallies
  • Christmas Concert
  • Spring Concert
  • UIL Concert & Sight Reading
  • Solo & Ensemble Contest
  • All-Region Band Auditions
  • Community performances
  • Special events
  • Educational trips

Each performance helps students build confidence, teamwork, discipline, and leadership while sharing their talents with the community.

Why Join Band?

Band is about so much more than learning to play an instrument. Students build valuable life skills, make lifelong friends, and create memories they'll never forget.

Band students develop:

  • Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Self-discipline
  • Responsibility
  • Time management
  • Creativity
  • Confidence
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Memory and concentration
  • Dexterity and coordination
  • Self-expression
  • Friendships that last a lifetime

Amazing Experiences Await!

As students grow in the Fairfield ISD Band program, they'll have opportunities to:

  • Perform at the 6th Grade Band Festival
  • Take the annual 7th & 8th Grade Six Flags Band Trip
  • Travel to Walt Disney World in Florida every four years
  • Attend exciting band trips throughout the year 
  • Perform at all Fairfield High School football games, including away games and playoff games (grades 9–12)
  • Perform at school pep rallies and special events
  • Audition for Honor Bands
  • Participate in Jazz Band
  • Become a Drum Major
  • Join the Color Guard (Flag Line) or Twirling Line
  • Earn college music scholarships and other scholarship opportunities

Band is a place where students discover their talents, challenge themselves, make lifelong friendships, and become part of something bigger than themselves. Whether performing under the Friday night lights, traveling with friends, or taking the stage in concert, band creates memories that last a lifetime.

 

  • The Fairfield Band Boosters are a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the Grand Band from Eagleland and its students.

    Band Boosters assist with concerts, football games, contests, trips, fundraising, and many other activities throughout the year. Parent involvement plays an important role in the continued success of the band program.

    Join the Fairfield Band Boosters Facebook group.

    Meetings

    First Tuesday of each month
    6:30 p.m.
    Fairfield Band Hall

    Annual membership is $5 per person.

    Fundraisers

    • Spirit Gear During Football Season
    • Yard Signs
    • World's Finest Chocolate
    • Donations

    Parents, grandparents, alumni, and community members are encouraged to become involved and support Fairfield ISD Bands.

  • Band Facebook Group

  • The Fairfield ISD Band program has a proud tradition dating back to 1934, when the district organized its first band with just 32 members.

    The first marching band was established in 1941, and "Our Director March" became the school's fight song—a tradition that continues today as it is played after Eagle touchdowns.

    Under the leadership of generations of dedicated band directors, the program has grown into a comprehensive music program serving students in grades 6–12. Today, Fairfield ISD Bands offer concert bands, marching band, jazz studies, honor band opportunities, color guard, twirling, drum major leadership, and performance experiences that build musicianship, leadership, and school pride.

    Past Fairfield Head Directors

    • Frank Deason (1939–1942)
    • W.J. Botter (1943–1944)
    • A.C. Hart (1949–1956)
    • J.G. Long (1957)
    • Deloris Darrow (1958–1961)
    • L.C. Williamson (1962–1966)
    • Theda Chavers (1967)
    • W.J. Buchanan (1968–1969)
    • John Eubanks (1970)
    • Lewis Phelps (1971–1972)
    • Ron Burns (1973–1976)
    • Howard Robertson (1977)
    • Louis McHaffey (1978)
    • John Gordon Small (1979–1998)
    • Adam Bird (1998–2004)
    • John Gordon Small (2004–2005)
    • Harold Raney (2005–2008)
    • Bill Large (2008–2021)
    • Russell Holland (2021–Present)

    "Once an Eagle Band member, always a member of the Eagleland tradition."

  • The Fairfield High School Jazz Band provides students with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of musical styles while developing advanced performance skills, creativity, and confidence as musicians. Students perform as both a full ensemble and in smaller groups, strengthening their musicianship through diverse musical experiences and live performances.

    Jazz Band has been a part of Fairfield ISD since at least the 1980s, originally performing as a featured ensemble during the annual Christmas Concert. In 2004, Jazz Band became a regularly scheduled ensemble, typically rehearsing once each week. Beginning with the 2023–2024 school year, Jazz Band became a dedicated class, allowing students additional time to refine their performance skills, study jazz techniques, and expand their knowledge of contemporary music.

    Students perform a variety of musical styles, including:

    • Jazz Standards
    • Swing
    • Rock
    • Latin
    • Funk
    • Full Ensemble Literature
    • Small Ensemble Literature

    Beyond developing musical excellence, Jazz Band encourages creativity, teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence while giving students opportunities to perform for both school and community audiences.

     

    Community Performances

    The Fairfield High School Jazz Band is available to perform at select community events throughout the year. Because of its smaller size and versatile repertoire, the ensemble is well suited for civic events, business functions, banquets, receptions, festivals, and other special occasions throughout the community.

    To inquire about scheduling the Fairfield High School Jazz Band for your event, please contact:

    Russell Holland
    Director of Bands
    Russell.Holland@FairfieldISD.org

     

  • One of the best ways to improve is by practicing along with recordings of the music we're performing in class. Listening to great performances helps students develop tone, rhythm, articulation, and musical style.

    If you're looking for a recording:

    1. Search J.W. Pepper, one of the world's largest publishers of sheet music and educational recordings.
    2. If you can't find it there, search YouTube.
    3. For the best results, include the title along with the composer or arranger in your search.

    Current & Recent Music Selections

    Music selections change throughout the school year as students prepare for performances and special events.

  • Fairfield Junior High Band