The New Fairfield Middle School Chorus and Bands will begin their regular activities the week of September 17th. Participation in music ensembles teaches your child teamwork in a supportive, non-competitive setting. Research indicates instrumental music instruction aids in learning other academic disciplines. If students would like to participate in both Chorus and Band, we encourage them to do so. All Band and Chorus students will be required to pay the one-time $35 M.S. Activity Fee in order to participate. This covers participation in all activities and intramurals. If there are financial challenges regarding the activity fee, please contact your child's guidance counselor.

Middle School Chorus is open to all students in grades 6 through 8, regardless of previous musical experience. Practices are before school, so students need to be driven to school (see Car Pool information below), or they may ride the high school busses. Passes for the high school busses are available from Mrs. Wittmann or from the main office. Rehearsals are held in the Middle School Band Room. Middle School Chorus meets on Wednesdays and Fridays, from 7:15am until 7:50am, beginning September 19 with optional sectionals* on other days (*Soprano only, Alto only, Cambiata only).

Middle School Bands are open to all students who already play a band instrument. If you wish to join band, but do no yet play an instrument, see Mr. Akter for a list of private teachers in the area. Band lessons and rehearsals are considered classes that will be graded 2nd and 4th quarters. In addition to this, students will receive a grade for the trimester band class that is part of their rotation. Pull out band lessons during school will be held on a rotating basis and will only take place during 2 trimesters of the year and only during periods that do not affect the academic core.

Students must participate in their grade level band in order to join Jazz Band, unless they are a pianist, guitarist, or bassist. Students interested must sign up for an audition time with Mr. Akter during their lesson.

Car Pool: We understand that arranging transportation to/from school may be a problem, so we strongly suggest you allow your name to be included on our Car Pool List. This list should only be used for rehearsal transportation purposes, and your inclusion on the list does not require you to participate in a car pool. In the past, this car pool system has worked very well.

Pick up from Band: It is important to note that supervision after band rehearsal ends at 4:10 PM with the departure of the late bus. Any student not picked up by the time the late busses arrive will be asked to take the late bus home.

On the reverse is a permission form that will allow your son/daughter to participate in the Chorus/Band program. This must be filled out and handed in to Mr. Akter or Mrs. Wittmann at or before the first rehearsal or lesson with the $35 activity fee. No child will be allowed to stay for this rehearsal unless a permission slip has been completed.