This is Fleming Elementary's entry-level band. Fleming requires all 5th grade students to participate in Beginning Band for one full school year. This group is appropriate for students with no prior musical experience as well as those who have elementary band and/or instrumental experience (recorder, etc.). Students in this group learn to play concert band instruments from the very beginning. Those who have prior experience will refine their instrumental techniques. Students with prior band experience may also choose to learn a new instrument in Beginning Band.

This group is open to all 6th grade students in Fleming Elementary. Fleming requires all 6th graders to participate in band for one full year. This group is appropriate for students who has successfully completed one year of Beginning Band AND for students who may have little to no prior musical experience. Students in this group will continue to improve and refine their instrumental techniques learned in Beginning Band. Students in this group will also have the opportunity to audition for 6th Grade Advanced Band.

6th Grade Advanced Band is open to all 6th grade students by audition only. Advanced Band is a highly select group made up of the most serious and dedicated 6th grade musicians. Instrumentation for this group is limited. Students in Advanced Band will be given extra music opportunites such as Honor Band Trips, Band Festivals/Competitions, as well as perform more advanced music with the JH Concert Band.

This group is open to all 7th & 8th grade students who have successfully completed AT LEAST one full year of band.

• Woodwind/Brass Players entering Concert Band will be expected to know how to tongue & slur notes, and how to play the following scales fluently (one octave):
  • Bb, Eb, and F Concert Major Scales AND the Chromatic Scale
• Percussionists entering Concert Band will be expected to have experience on Snare Drum as well as Mallets (Bells or Xylophone). They should be able to execute the following on Snare Drum as well as play the following scales fluently (one octave) on a mallet instrument:
  • Paradiddles, Buzz Rolls, Flams and Flam-Taps
  • Bb, Eb, and F Concert Major Scales AND the Chromatic Scale

This group is open to all High School (9th-12th grade) students who have successfully completed at least one year of Concert Band.

• Woodwinds/Brass Players entering Wind Ensemble will be expected to know how to tongue & slur notes, and play the following scales fluently:
  • Concert Bb, Eb, F, Ab and C Major Scales (two octaves where appropriate)
  • Concert Bb Natural/Harmonic Minor Scale
  • Chromatic Scale (full range of instrument)
• Percussionists entereing Wind Ensemble will be expected to have experience on Snare Drum, Mallets, Timpani, Drumset and Accessory Percussion Instruments (cymbals, tambourine, triangle, etc.). They should be able to execute the following Snare Drum Rudiments:
  • Rolls (open, closed, and buzz), Paradiddles (single and double), Flams (including accents and Flam-Taps), and Drags.
  • They should also feel comfortable playing the following scales on a mallet instrument: Bb, Eb, F, Ab, and C Concert Major Scales (two octaves), Concert Bb Natural/Harmonic Minor Scale (one octace) AND the Chromatic Scale (full range of instrument).

The Fleming Wildcat Marching Band is open to all students, grades 7-12, who are currently enrolled in another band class (Concert Band or Wind Ensemble). Students who have successfully completed AT LEAST two years of band (Beginning Band + 6th Grade Band) will NOT be required to audition. Marching Band music will be worked on minimally during Concert Band and/or Wind Ensemble class time so students will be required to spend extra time outside of class practicing their parts. Students (and Parents) in Marching Band must commit to participating in all Fleming Wildcat Marching Band performances for the school year, including possible travel to District/Regional/State Tournaments and/or away games (school transportation provided).

***Any 7th-12th grade students interested in participating in Marching Band but do NOT meet the above requirements OR wish to play a different instrument for Marching Band may request an audition opportunity with the director.