Fayette Middle School Band

            The band program at Fayette Middle School has a rich tradition of excellence.  The current enrollment is 260 members and includes grades six through eight.  The various ensembles at FMS have consistently received Superior ratings at festivals in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Florida.  The Symphonic Band has performed at music conferences in Atlanta, Alabama, South Carolina, and at the University of Georgia’s MidFest.  The Symphonic Band performed at the 2005 GMEA In-Service Conference in Savannah.

            In addition to the large group honors, the band program has a long tradition of individual and small group achievements.  The percussion ensemble, under the direction of Jason Currin, has performed at the Grayson High School Day of Percussion and at the Georgia Day of Percussion.  The woodwind and brass choirs, under the direction of Ricky Williams, have a tradition of Superior ratings at the GMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival.  Students are consistently chosen for membership in the District Six Honor and Clinic Bands as well as the Georgia Middle School All-State Band.

            Band classes at FMS are divided by ability, by grade.  Each grade includes an intermediate and advanced class.  The two intermediate seventh and eighth grade classes combine after school to form the Concert Band.  The two advanced classes combine after school to form the Symphonic Band.  The Symphonic Band meets after school one day per week.  In addition, section rehearsals are scheduled on an as-needed basis. 

            Fayette Middle School is very fortunate to be located in an area that has many qualified private teachers.  This, in combination, with willing parents, makes it possible to have many students who study privately.  Much of the success of the band program is due to private instruction.