Fauquier High School Band & Falcon Band Organization

• WIND ENSEMBLE

• The class for upper level musicians.
• On the "A/B" class schedule (schedule explained below).
  

TALK TO THE HIGH SCHOOL BAND DIRECTOR IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT BEING IN THIS CLASS.  



• SYMPHONIC BAND

• The class for the average freshmen. 
• ALL RISING FRESHMEN SHOULD REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS PER THE FHS GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT'S INSTRUCTIONS. 
• By doing this, you are in the scheduling system for band students and if needed, we will move you into the Wind Ensemble later. 
• On the "A/B" schedule (schedule explained below).

• CONCERT / BEGINNING BAND

• Register for this class only if you have never played an instrument or dropped out of middle school band. 
• TALK TO THE HIGH SCHOOL BAND DIRECTOR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. 
• On the "4 X 4" schedule in the spring semester only (schedule explained below).

Students should always be in band class because it is in band classes that students learn to be better musicians.

It is the core philosophy of the FHS Band Program that students learn the fundamentals of music in band classes so every band student should register for a band class.

• WHICH BAND CLASS IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

As you read the course descriptions presented in the official course catalog (FCPS Program of Studies), you may be confused as to which class you should take.

Basically, rising freshmen should register for Symphonic Band, which gets you into the scheduling system at the high school as a band student.  Later on, if you are selected to be in the Wind Ensemble, the Guidance Department can easily switch your schedule for you over the summer.  Sign-up for Symphonic Band and we'll handle it from there.

Should I register for the Concert / Beginning Band? 

You should NOT enroll for this class if you were in all three years of middle school band.  If you have never taken a band class, dropped out of middle school band, or something similar, this is the class for you.  If you WERE in all three years of middle school band, enroll for Symphonic Band instead.  If you have any questions, always ask the High School Band Director.   

• SCHEDULING (4X4 vs. A/B)

(View a Sample Schedule - Click Here)

4X4

The entire school operates on what is called the "4 X 4" schedule (except for Band Classes of course).  That means every student takes only four classes every day for half of the school year (90 days).  In late January, students take final exams and after a two-day break, they return to four new classes for the second half of the year (90 more days).  In June, students take final exams for those four classes and the school year is over.  Therefore, students have completed 8 classes in one school year: four in the fall and four in the spring. The Concert / Beginning Band meets only during the spring semester (second half of the year) on the 4 X 4 schedule.

A/B

The Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band meet on a slightly different schedule.  During First Block, the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band meet on alternating days.  The first day of school is called an "A-day"and the second is called a "B-day."  From then on to the last day of school in June, these two classes meet every other day.  They meet for 90 days by the end of the year, and only 45 at the mid-year mark in January. 

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF THE A/B SCHEDULE? 

There are many but the primary advantage is continuous music making which is the key to being a successful musician.  Imagine taking band from only August to January one school year and then not having any band until the following August.  How well do you think you would sound after not having band from January to August?!?!  To be more successful, you need to be in band class for the entire school year.  

Question: if I take a band class on the "A / B" schedule, do all of my classes work that way?  The answer is NO.  The "A/B' schedule only operates during First Block and only for band classes and a few other classes.  These other classes are classes just for you.  For example, on "A" days you might take History and on "B" days you would then take Wind Ensemble.  Or, on "A" days you would take Symphonic Band and on "B" days you might take History.

More Information

Click here to obtain a copy of the FCPS Program of Studies (the document that contains the course descriptions for every class offered). 

Remember . . .