As an upcoming 6th grade student in Fairfield, you are invited to become a member of the Fairfield Band! In band, you will have many different opportunities and experiences. The friendships and skills you learn will last a lifetime. Everyone is welcome to join band, and we hope this page answers your questions about the upcoming year.

Getting an Instrument

(Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone only)

1. Inherited Instruments

If an instrument was previously played in the Fairfield Band, chances are it's still good enough to be played again! Just have it checked by a band director to see if it needs repair.

— OR —

2. Shopping Around

This can be very tricky!

Avoid shopping online because we have had many parents have negative experiences buying very bad instruments at cheap prices that are advertised as brand new.

There is an entire industry making very inexpensive instruments that fall apart within the first few weeks of playing. These instruments cause a lot of problems in the band world. They waste parents' money and give students a bad start in band.

Just like any other major purchase (cars, appliances, etc.), you need to know the brand, make, model, and year. Old, used, and worn instruments are sometimes great finds!

Please let one of the band directors assist you if you're going to go this route. We are here to help!

— OR —

3. American Band Horn Drive (Early September – TBA)

This is the recommended route. All instruments sold here are excellent for beginning band students.

FISD deals exclusively with American Band for instruments, instrument repair/service, and instrument supplies. They have several payment plans to make buying an instrument easier on a limited budget, so dropping a large sum of money all at once is not required.

Also included is a service plan that makes accidental damage to the instrument no problem.

If you plan to buy from American Band but cannot attend the Horn Drive, please contact a band director, and we can set up a purchase with you and the instrument company.

If you choose to use a school-owned instrument at the beginning of the year but later decide to purchase from American Band, we can arrange a purchase at any time.

The exact date of the Horn Drive will be announced on the first day of school. If you would like to contact American Band now, here is their information:

American Band Instrument Service
(903) 593-3195
124 Shelley Dr.
Tyler, TX 75701

Band USA Website

Things You Will Get from Band

• 6th Grade Band Festival
• 7th and 8th Grade Six Flags Trip
• Disney trip to Florida (every 4 years)
• Band trips 
• Play in all high school football games (grades 9–12), including out-of-town and playoff games
• Play in all pep rallies
• Opportunity to earn college scholarships
• Opportunity to be on the twirling line, flag line, or become drum major
• Teamwork, memory skills, responsibility, dexterity, coordination, self-expression, and a variety of other skills that will last your entire life

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I want to play football, basketball, volleyball, or be a cheerleader when I get older. Can I still be in band?

A: Yes! You can participate in both band and athletics all the way through high school! Many of our band students are involved in a wide variety of activities, and we always make sure to accommodate other Fairfield extracurricular organizations.

Q: My parents don't have a lot of money. Do we have to buy an instrument to be in band?

A: No! Some instruments are provided by the school, but buying your own instrument is encouraged.

Q: I want to play the drums. What do I need to do?

A: There is a limited number of percussionists per class (about five), so only those with the best rhythm skills and coordination will be chosen to play percussion.

Q: I've never had music, or I wasn't very good at music so far, and I don't think I'll be very good at band. Should I still sign up?

A: YES! Of course! We will start from the very beginning and teach you everything you need to know in order to play a band instrument. Students get better and better at music with each grade level!

Q: My family already owns a musical instrument. May we use it in band next year?

A: Yes! Just make sure the instrument is checked by one of the band directors first. It may need repair or maintenance before it is ready to play.

Q: What is the easiest instrument to play?

A: Most instruments are about the same. Some students simply pick up certain instruments faster than others.

Q: Are there after-school practices?

A: No. There are no after-school practices until high school.

Q: Do I have to buy an instrument before school starts?

A: No! We will discuss instrument purchases when the new school year starts. Until then, have a great summer!

Every Fairfield Junior High Band student must have an instrument. Students may either:

• Use a personally owned instrument, or
• Check out a school-owned instrument (when available).

Every student using a school-owned instrument must complete an Instrument Responsibility Form before the instrument can be issued.

Parents or guardians must also provide a current phone number or email address so the band directors can reach them if needed.

Personally Owned Instruments

Students using personally owned instruments are responsible for all maintenance, care, and repair costs.

Fairfield ISD is not responsible for the maintenance, repair, storage, or replacement of personally owned instruments.

School-Owned Instruments

Before accepting a school-owned instrument, students should carefully inspect it and note any existing damage on the Instrument Responsibility Form.

Students will not be held responsible for damage that existed before the instrument was checked out.

Damage occurring after checkout falls into one of three categories.

Normal Wear and Tear

Normal wear occurs naturally as instruments are used over time. Students are not responsible for repair costs resulting from normal wear.

Accidental Damage

Accidents sometimes happen. Because instruments are valuable, students are expected to handle them with care at all times. Responsibility for repair costs resulting from accidental damage will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Intentional Damage

Students who intentionally damage school-owned instruments will be responsible for the full cost of repairs. Appropriate disciplinary action may also be taken in accordance with district policy.