Fowler Middle School Falcon Band

Sixth Grade Beginning Band

“Learn to be a Musician!”

The Frisco Independent School District would like to invite your child to take part in the Band Program at Fowler Middle School.  Almost half of Fowler Middle School is in the band and over 45% of the 6^th graders are in the band!

Fine Arts education is not only a creative activity; it is a cultural experience for the child.  Other benefits of being in band include: responsibility, hard work, dedication, teamwork, confidence, and pride. 

Band students consistently have much higher SAT scores than the state and national average.  In a recent study it was found that 80% of all physicians in America at one time played a musical instrument!

For your information, athletics and cheerleading are NOT offered in the sixth grade; however, BAND is offered starting in 6^th grade. When the students reach 7^th grade they can take both athletics AND band. Band does not conflict with other middle school activities such as athletics or cheerleading.   

Musical instruction is provided free from F.I.S.D., but every child will need to have a musical instrument with which to study.  We recommend that parents do not buy an instrument, but rent an instrument the first year until they are confident that the student will be committed to learning that instrument.

At a reputable music store beginning band instruments may be rented at a low monthly cost where all the rent applies to the purchase.  You are not obligated to purchase the instrument!  Again, we prefer you only rent an instrument the first year. The school provides rental of the more expensive instruments on a very limited basis (tubas, baritones, French horns, oboes, bassoons); however, playing these instruments is based on suitability, not financial need.

Considering the time it takes to develop good musicians, a majority of students in America traditionally begin band in the 6th grade.  Because of the incredible growth in Frisco ISD we can only accept 160 -170 of the 400 sixth grade students expected to attend Fowler Middle School this Fall.  If your child wishes to take band in 6th grade, he/she must choose "Beginning Band" as their FIRST CHOICE for their elective when you enroll in middle school for the fall and attend an instrument selection meeting in February. Fifth Grade students & parents will be contacted in January to discuss trying out an instrument. There will be NO OBLIGATION to be in band if you attend this meeting!  Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions not covered in this packet. We are sure that your child will have a positive and rewarding band experience!                                                                                

 Sincerely, 
DavidDunham, GayleAmato, Jenny Denis, and John Arenas (Percussion)
Band Directors, Fowler Middle School
(469) 633-5070   www.fowlerband.com