{"id":1974,"date":"2018-06-04T13:56:24","date_gmt":"2018-06-04T17:56:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/band\/?page_id=1974"},"modified":"2026-03-19T13:15:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T17:15:34","slug":"band","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/band\/","title":{"rendered":"Middle School Band Grades 6-8"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif\"><em><strong><span style=\"font-size: 24pt;color: #333399\"><span style=\"font-size: 36pt\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3407\" src=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/07\/Band-Falcon-Logo-color-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/07\/Band-Falcon-Logo-color-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/07\/Band-Falcon-Logo-color-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/07\/Band-Falcon-Logo-color.jpg 769w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif\"><em><strong><span style=\"font-size: 24pt;color: #333399\"><span style=\"font-size: 36pt\">Welcome to the Falcon Bands<br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif\"><em><strong><span style=\"font-size: 24pt;color: #333399\"><span style=\"font-size: 36pt\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt\">Beginning Bands, Concert Bands, Jazz Band<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><strong><span style=\"font-size: 24pt;color: #333399\"><span style=\"font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif\">Ms. Lindsay Gassman, Director<\/span><\/span><\/strong><em><strong><span style=\"font-size: 24pt;color: #333399\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong><em>&#8220;We are underestimating the power of music and the arts.&#8221;\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><em>&#8212; Dr. Miguel Cardona, US Secretary of\u00a0 Education<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/07\/FCA-Band-Handbook-25-26.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FCA Band Handbook 25-26<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/bandcamp\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3485 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-27-at-12.42.36-AM-1024x207.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"207\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-27-at-12.42.36-AM-1024x207.png 1024w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-27-at-12.42.36-AM-300x61.png 300w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-27-at-12.42.36-AM-768x155.png 768w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-27-at-12.42.36-AM.png 1278w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"Band at FCA!\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/w3zOYJCTVnU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"su-row\"><div class=\"su-column su-column-size-1-4\"><div class=\"su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<h4 style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/paypal.me\/falconband\">2025-26 Band Fee<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Base Fee:\u00a0<strong>$150\u00a0<\/strong>for all students<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Additional Costs<br \/>\n(if applicable):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">School-owned instrument: <strong>$165<\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Percussion: <strong>$135<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate?hosted_button_id=XGKAL87MU6KBJ\">Click here to pay your Band Fee<\/a><br \/>\n<em>(Be sure to notate your child\u2019s name)<b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate?hosted_button_id=XGKAL87MU6KBJ\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-3392 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/06\/Paypal-150x142.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"142\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Questions? Refer to the<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/07\/FCA-Band-Handbook-25-26.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FCA Band Handbook 25-26<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Want to support our band by shopping from our Amazon Wish List?\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/hz\/wishlist\/ls\/JNUEBHTJLQR2?ref_=wl_share\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here!<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2023\/07\/amazon-logo-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3367\" src=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2023\/07\/amazon-logo-2-300x104.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"104\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-3431 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2024\/09\/save-the-date-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>April 10th + 11th<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\nSolo and Ensemble @St. Augustine HS<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>April 17th<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\nJazz Band to Lakeside Jazz Festival<br \/>\n2:40PM Performance<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">May 7th<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nSPRING BAND CONCERT!<br \/>\nBeginning Band &#8211; 5:45PM<br \/>\nConcert Band &#8211; 6:30PM<br \/>\nSymphonic Band &#8211; 7:15PM<br \/>\nJazz Band Concert &#8211; 8:00PM<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>May 29, 2026<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\nLast Day of School<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>August 25, 2026<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n2026-27 Instrument Rental Night<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?hosted_button_id=3W2N9Y9TSPNK8\">Click here<\/a> to donate to our band program<\/p>\n<p><strong>QUESTIONS? Email the director at<br \/>\n<\/strong><a href=\"mailto:lindsay.gassman@stjohns.k12.fl.us\">lindsay.gassman@stjohns.k12.fl.us<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><em><span style=\"color: #0000ff;text-decoration: underline\"><strong>Announcing our<br \/>\n2025-2026<br \/>\nFCA Band Booster Organization<br \/>\nOfficers<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/span><em><strong>:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #008080\"><strong><em>Dani LaBare,<br \/>\n<\/em>President<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #008080\"><strong><em>Jessica Riegle,<br \/>\n<\/em>Vice President<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #008080\"><strong><em>Christina Grim,<br \/>\n<\/em>Treasurer<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #008080\"><strong><em>Ingrid Bulak,<br \/>\n<\/em><\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: #008080\"><strong>Secretary<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #008080\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Members at Large:<\/span><em><br \/>\nCourtney Hall<br \/>\nLaura DeFord<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Documents<br \/>\n<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1O6CEwPOnPzyt31I_MNcA1xhkS9Mmv8Gw\/edit?rtpof=true\">FCA BBO ByLaws rev. 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Questions?<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:fcabandboosters@gmail.com\">fcabandboosters@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"su-column su-column-size-3-4\"><div class=\"su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #333399\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 18pt\"><strong>Meet our FCA Band Sponsors!<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/hollispools.com\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-3468 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-11.33.06-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"848\" height=\"154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-11.33.06-PM.png 848w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-11.33.06-PM-300x54.png 300w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-11.33.06-PM-768x139.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 848px) 100vw, 848px\" \/><\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-3469\" src=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-11.39.45-PM-1024x365.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"407\" height=\"145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-11.39.45-PM-1024x365.png 1024w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-11.39.45-PM-300x107.png 300w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-11.39.45-PM-768x274.png 768w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-11.39.45-PM.png 1072w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 407px) 100vw, 407px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/264kids.com\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-3470\" src=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-11.40.43-PM-1024x507.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"469\" height=\"232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-11.40.43-PM-1024x507.png 1024w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-11.40.43-PM-300x149.png 300w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-11.40.43-PM-768x380.png 768w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-11.40.43-PM.png 1402w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 469px) 100vw, 469px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333399\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 18pt\"><strong>Meet the Teacher<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3346\" src=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/06\/lindsay-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/06\/lindsay-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/06\/lindsay-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/06\/lindsay-768x766.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/06\/lindsay.jpg 1013w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><span style=\"font-size: 16px\">Hi Falcon Band Families! I am beyond excited to continue our tradition of excellence in the 2025-26 school year. I grew up two hours south of St Johns in Seminole County, where I played clarinet and percussion in my middle school and high school bands. After high school, I went on to earn my B.M.E. in Music Education and M.M. in Conducting at the University of Florida, and have been working with middle school musicians ever since!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>We will offer Beginning Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Guitar Class, and Jazz Band in 2025-26. I look forward to growing together\u2014as musicians and humans. Thank you for your continued support and involvement!<\/p>\n<p>Lindsay Gassman<br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:lindsay.gassman@stjohns.k12.fl.us\">lindsay.gassman@stjohns.k12.fl.us<\/a><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;color: #ff0000\"><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-136\" src=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/02\/Icemen-on-ice-300x145.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/02\/Icemen-on-ice-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/02\/Icemen-on-ice-1024x496.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/02\/Icemen-on-ice-768x372.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/02\/Icemen-on-ice-1536x744.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/02\/Icemen-on-ice-2048x992.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><span style=\"color: #333399\">Why Should We Choose<br \/>\nBand as an Elective?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\">There are so many compelling reasons to have your child join the band at Freedom Crossing Academy! Having the skill to perform on a musical instrument has been one of the most cherished accomplishments throughout history. 85% of adults who do not know how to play an instrument say they wish they did! You can make that wish come true for your child right here at school!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3535\" src=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/Jazz-Pic-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/Jazz-Pic-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/Jazz-Pic-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/Jazz-Pic-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/Jazz-Pic-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/Jazz-Pic-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\">Students who learn to play an instrument can use this skill and knowledge for the rest of their lives. There is nothing like the joy of performing music with friends. It happens every day in school groups and continues for adults who still play in community bands and orchestras or for those who perform professionally. Even if you don\u2019t go on to perform in your adult years, your musical experience and knowledge causes you to listen to music with deeper understanding and enjoyment.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\">Unlike other subjects studied in school, Band is a group effort. Musicians are required to shift from an \u201cI\/Me\u201d reasoning to a \u201cWe\/Us\u201d concept. This means extending oneself beyond the normal considerations of much of our fast-paced, competitive day-to-day living. Instead of the logic being, \u201cWhat\u2019s in it for me?\u201d, it becomes, \u201cWhat\u2019s in it for us?\u201d The values of cooperation, communication, concentration, correlation, and completion come into play during every rehearsal and performance. These are great values for a future career! <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\">Band builds positive self-worth. Although we share many similarities with our athletic counterparts, everyone in the band plays a starting role. Rarely is a person serving as an alternate or substitute. There is no \u201cbench\u201d in the band. Everyone is a starter!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3536 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/pic2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/pic2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/pic2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/pic2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/pic2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/pic2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/pic2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>Aside from the obvious benefits of playing a musical instrument, there are a number of surprising academic benefits to students who study music. Students who learn an instrument at a young age stimulate the brain in a valuable way. Studies have shown that learning to play an instrument enhances a student\u2019s academic performance in math, language arts, foreign language and other academic areas.\u00a0 In band class students use their brain power in a totally different, holistic way, as both hemispheres of the brain are actively engaged. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\">Participating in a musical ensemble develops very focused listening skills. It also helps foster impulse-control and lengthened attention span.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\">Whatever the reason, playing an instrument can bring joy and fulfillment like no other activity. The most common remark from parents following a wonderful school concert is, \u201cI wish my parents would have encouraged me to play an instrument and stick with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2022\/05\/band-17.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-3264 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2022\/05\/band-17-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a>Because of the nature of band class, students often bond with the other band members and they become a close knit \u201ccommunity\u201d. This has been even more special as we are building a new band program at Freedom Crossing Academy since 2018! Band is a place where every individual is a valued member of the \u201cteam\u201d. Differences are celebrated! Imagine going to a new school and not knowing anything about where to go, or who to talk to. The transition from school to school is easier for band students because they have many friends to help them through this process. Once they get to high school, incoming band freshmen have immediate contact with upperclassmen, in a big brother\/big sister kind of way.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;color: #ff0000\"><strong><span style=\"color: #333399\">How Do We Get Started in Band as a Beginner?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">First of all, you do NOT need to get an instrument before school starts<\/span>. I will help your child through the process of selecting which instrument is best suited for him\/her. Choices include all the traditional concert band instruments: flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. The selection process takes about 2 weeks. The students will learn about each band instrument and select a first and second choice. Together the entire band examines and balances the instrumentation. Parents are notified of the student\u2019s choice and invited to \u201cInstrument Rental Night\u201d with Rhapsody Music. There are other options for obtaining an instrument as well. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Please be careful in buying a used instrument or a new instrument online<\/span>. If the deal seems too good to be true, it is! I do NOT advise purchasing an instrument from Amazon. Most of those \u201cband director approved\u201d no name instruments are of poor quality and can\u2019t be repaired. The descriptions sound amazing but the product is not. With an inferior instrument, students often struggle and eventually quit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;color: #333399\">What if My Child Doesn&#8217;t Read Music?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\">To begin in band all they need is a great attitude and desire to learn! They will soon be able to do things they never thought they could! Our students come from excellent elementary music programs which have prepared them well to succeed in band!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;font-size: 18pt\">What Will It Cost to Be in the Band at FCA?<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/02\/Concert-Fun.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3471\" src=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/02\/Concert-Fun-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a>You will need to obtain a quality band instrument for your child. Instrument costs will vary, and can be rented from a music instrument dealer for $25-$40 a month on a \u201crent to own\u201d program. Typically your instrument is paid for in 2-3 years and it&#8217;s yours to keep. You may choose to pay it off early and get a discount. Instruments can be returned to the dealer at any time, ending the contract before it is completed. You may also buy a new instrument, buy a used instrument, or use one that you already own, if it&#8217;s in good condition. If you need instrument repair, I recommend Mr. Robert at Rhapsody Music. They are located on State Road 13 and their number is 904-642-4040.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\">Please avoid buying a cheap instrument online because it&#8217;s for a &#8220;beginner&#8221;.\u00a0 These instruments are difficult to play and often discourage young musicians. The inferior quality control results in frequent repairs and lost playing time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\">Your instrument is an investment which will hold value for years to come. Be sure to rent\/buy a name brand instrument from a music company, not an online site. It&#8217;s also important to rent or buy from a store that can provide expert service and repair.\u00a0 If you are unsure, please let me advise you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\">Some of the larger, more expensive instruments may be rented from the band for $165\/year. These are tuba, baritone, french horn, bass clarinet, and tenor and bari saxophone.\u00a0 The fee will be used toward maintaining the instrument and the end of the year cleaning.\u00a0 If your chid chooses percussion, there is a percussion fee of $135 which will provide all the necessary materials and will cover upkeep of the school-owned percussion instruments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\">There is also a &#8220;Fair Share&#8221; for all band students which covers the small accessories, books, music, rewards and incentives, guest instructors, professional organization fees, and uniform parts needed throughout the school year. Our band fee is $150\/year and can be paid by check or through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/webapps\/shoppingcart?mfid=1598401967010_4f93a49d23b82&amp;flowlogging_id=4f93a49d23b82#\/checkout\/shoppingCart\">Band Booster Organization PayPal account<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;color: #ff0000\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2022\/05\/band-7.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-3268 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2022\/05\/band-7-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;color: #ff0000\"><strong><span style=\"color: #333399\">Will My Child Be Graded in Band?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\">Yes! Band is an academic subject and is graded accordingly. A course syllabus will be posted here at the beginning of the year. The curriculum is based on the Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. Students are graded on playing tests and other formative assessments. Performances count as summative assessments and the dates are announced well in advance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;color: #ff0000\"><strong><span style=\"color: #333399\">Is There An After-School Commitment for Band?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\">After school practices will be extremely rare or never, given that we will get so much accomplished during each band class. There may be three evening concerts which are required.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;color: #ff0000\"><strong><span style=\"color: #333399\">Does Band Fit Well with an Advanced Academic Schedule?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt\">Students and parents often assume that the only way to get good at music is to do nothing else but music. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, one of the facets of the band that I am most proud of is that we will accomplish very high musical goals while maintaining a balance with the total school experience. In our band program, we have MANY students who excel in advanced courses, MANY who are on sports teams, MANY who participate in clubs like &#8220;National Junior Honor Society&#8221; and &#8220;Girls on the Run&#8221;, and academic events like \u201cMath Counts\u201d and \u201cBattle of the Books\u201d. Many are involved in church activities, and MANY have been involved in our school drama productions. It is very true that band kids are some of the most well-rounded kids around! Whether you are in band or not, good grades are dependent upon being an organized, good worker. If you are conscientious and organized, band (or any other activity) will not adversely affect your grades. The band schedules have been carefully developed to work with the school\u2019s academic demands. Most of our work is done in class. Of course, some practice at home is required in order to make progress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to the Falcon Bands Beginning Bands, Concert Bands, Jazz Band Ms. Lindsay Gassman, Director &#8220;We are underestimating the power of music and the arts.&#8221;\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 &#8212; Dr. Miguel Cardona, US Secretary of\u00a0 Education FCA Band Handbook 25-26<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16406,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1974","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1974","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16406"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1974"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1974\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3544,"href":"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1974\/revisions\/3544"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www-fca.stjohns.k12.fl.us\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1974"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}