Band Director - Sharon Bonneau
Phone:(703) 904-4841 Email - Sharon.Bonneau@fcps.edu

FCPS Band Site - Contains links to student and parent resources and curriculum materials.

Performance Dress (top)

Training, Cadet and Percussion Ensemble members are to wear:

Boys: Black dress shoes, black socks, black dress pants, white long sleeved ironed shirt with collar, and straight plain back tie.

Girls: Black dress shoes, black socks or hose, black dress pants, white long sleeved ironed shirt (please avoid off-whites, creams, and beiges.)

Symphonic and Concert Band members are to wear:

Boys: Black dress shoes, black socks, black dress pants, white long sleeved ironed tux shirt with collar, bow tie and cummerbund (shirt, bow tie and cummerbund are borrowed from HMS)

Girls: Black dress shoes, black hose, long black skirt (ankle length or longer and non-conforming to the body), white long sleeved ironed tux shirt with a collar, bow tie, and cummerbund (shirt, bow tie and cummerbund are borrowed from HMS)

Please contact Ms. Bonneau if you need assistance with finding or buying any of these items.

Course Descriptions (top)

Beginning Level Band (Training Band) - Year
Grade: 7 & 8 Elective

Training band classes will develop beginning skills on woodwind or brass instruments. Guidance will be given by the instructor in the selection of an instrument. Simple duets, rounds, and other ensemble groupings will be performed in class. Limited opportunities for public performances will be provided.

Beginning Level Band (Percussion Class) - Year
Grade: 7 & 8 Elective

Percussion class will develop beginning skills on percussion instruments. Students will be instructed in basic snare drum techniques as well as introduced to other percussion instruments. Limited opportunities for public performances will be provided.

Intermediate Level Band (Cadet Band) - Year
Grade: 7 & 8 Elective
Prerequisite: Audition by the instructor.

This intermediate level band will continue to develop skills on woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. Musical styles will be studied through various band selections. This band offers students limited performance opportunities and may require rehearsals and performances outside of normal school hours. The Cadet Band is designed as a technique class for students with at least one year of playing experience.

Intermediate Level Band (Concert Band) - Year
Grade: 7 & 8 Elective
Prerequisite: Audition by the instructor.

This intermediate level band will continue to develop skills on woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. Musical styles will be studied through various band selections. This band offers students performance opportunities and may require rehearsals and performances outside of normal school hours. The Concert Band is the second of the two major performing groups at Herndon Middle School. This course is designed for students who have had approximately two years of previous instrumental training. It provides continued development of basic fundamentals and introduces band literature.

Advanced Level Band (Symphonic Band) - Year
Grade: 7 & 8 Elective
Prerequisite: Audition by the instructor.

Advanced level band offers instruction to the more advanced-level player. Placement in this group is by audition only. An in-depth study of musical styles will be realized through challenging band selections. Many performance opportunities are offered and may require rehearsals and performances outside of normal school hours. This is the major performing group at Herndon Middle School.

FCPS Music Site
Contains links to SOL information and student and parent resources and curriculum materials.

Students are required to provide their own instrument. Local music stores have various rental and purchase plans available. Herndon Middle School has some of the larger and more expensive insturments available for rent. Students using an HMS instrument either at school or at home should clean, oil and/or grease it regularly. Students must provide their own supplies for the their instrument, such as valve oil, slide grease, cork grease, reeds, neck straps, etc. to use on the instrument both at home and at school.