During the months of May through September, you may sign up for Band and/or Choir by visiting the Google Form Link provided at the end of this letter.  As of October 1st, you must contact Mrs. Mummert to be signed up for participation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Mummert at mummertcarrie@fairviewschools.org.

ENSEMBLE PROCEDURES:

• Days:

  • The 7th & 8th Grade Band meets every Tuesday, from the beginning of Tiger Time until 3:25 p.m.

  • The 5th & 6th Grade Band meets every Wednesday, from the beginning of Tiger Time until 3:25 p.m.

  • The FMS Choir meets every Friday, from the beginning of Tiger Time until 3:25 p.m.

• Time:

  • At the beginning of Tiger Time, students report to the music wing on their ensemble day. They DO NOT need to check in with their Tiger Time teacher. 

  • Students will remain in the music room at the 2:50 p.m. dismissal bell and continue to rehearse until 3:20 p.m. at which time they will pack everything up and prepare to leave. 

• Transportation:

  • Parents are responsible for arranging their students’ transportation home from school on the day(s) they have ensemble rehearsal.  Options include: 

    • Parent/guardian pick-up @ 3:25 p.m. (See FAQs for more details)

    • Car Pooling

    • FMS Cafeteria until 4:00 p.m.--students may wait in the cafeteria until their ride arrives or as late as 4:00 p.m.

    • Bus passes are not available this school year.  Therefore, students WILL NOT be able to walk up to FES and ride the elementary bus home. (see FAQs)

• Attendance:

  • If a student regularly misses the scheduled weekly Ensemble rehearsals they will not be permitted to participate in performances.

FAQs:

Q: How does the time of day for ensemble rehearsal(s) benefit our students?

A: If a student needs to get help with classwork or has a meeting during Tiger Time they have the ability to stay in their regular Tiger Time and report to ensemble rehearsal at 2:50 p.m. 

*Also, if a student does not have a way to get home at 3:25 (or 4:00) p.m., they have the ability to report to ensemble rehearsal until 2:50 p.m. and then take the FMS bus home.

*Students that are able to remain for the entire rehearsal (2:20-3:20 p.m.) will receive 60 minutes of ensemble instruction and rehearsal each week. Students are encouraged to remain for the full hour as often as possible.

Q: I want to participate in an activity or exploratory meeting at 2:50 p.m. the same day as my ensemble. What should I do?

A: Report to ensemble rehearsal at the start of Tiger Time.  You will be permitted to leave for your activity in time to attend. Please try your best to select exploratory activities that do not interfere with your ensemble.  It is understood that this cannot always be avoided.

Q: How will Mrs. Mummert know what my “plans” are for rehearsal attendance?

A: Communication is key.  If a student needs to miss the Tiger Time portion of rehearsal, the student should message Mrs. Mummert BEFORE Tiger Time starts. If a student needs to miss the 2:50-3:25 portion of rehearsal, the parent should message Mrs. Mummert BEFORE 2:20 p.m. to let her know. Please note: These messages are meant to make Mrs. Mummert aware that your child will need to miss a portion of rehearsal.  The messages should not be requests to let your child know about a schedule or transportation change.

Q: Will the Middle School musical(s) interfere with ensemble rehearsals? 

A: No.  Musical rehearsals do not begin until 3:30 pm. While those rehearsals take place several days a week, your ensemble only meets one day a week and is over by 3:20 pm.

Q: I did not sign up for an ensemble that I would like to participate in.  Am I still able to complete the Google Form and join Band/Choir?

A: From the months of May-September, Yes, absolutely! Click here to sign up for that ensemble.. If October 1st, or later, please contact Mrs. Mummert at mummertcarrie@fairviewschools.org 

CONCERTS

• WINTER CONCERT:  WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2024

  The concert begins at 7:00 PM.  This concert is for the Choir and the 7th & 8th Grade Band Only

• FMS CHOIR ERIE OTTERS NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMANCE: THURS. FEB 4, 2025; School day game 

• INSTRUMENTAL SPRING CONCERT:  THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025

  This concert is ONLY for the 5/6 Band and 7/8 Band.  The concert begins at 7:00 PM.  Band performers need to report NO LATER than 6:30 pm for attendance, warm up & tuning.  Students will have the opportunity to purchase a Fairview School District Music tee-shirt for minimal cost.  This tee shirt will be worn for the Spring Performance.

• CONCERT CHOIR SPRING CONCERT:  FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025 @ Celebrate FMS

  Students will have the opportunity to purchase a Fairview School District Music tee-shirt for minimal cost.  This tee shirt will be worn for the Spring Performance.

OTHER PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

• Students are able to participate in BOTH Band and Choir at FMS.  The 5th through 8th grade Choir and all instrumental ensembles at Fairview Middle School are directed by Mrs. Carrie Mummert.  All students are able, and encouraged, to participate in as many ensembles as they like.

• We are working on a variety of other performance opportunities throughout the year. These may include: PMEA events (Jr. District Choir, Jr. District Band, Elementary Bandfest, Elementary Song Fest) as well as other community performances.

The Fairview Middle School Music Program is looking forward to a year full of opportunities.  Performances are a fantastic way to showcase students’ talents.  Being part of a performing group is a unique and rewarding experience.  It takes hard work and dedication for our groups to be the best that they can be.  Every musician is important to our groups’ successes.  I’m glad you’ve decided to take the challenge to be a member of one of our performing ensembles this year & I’m looking forward to having a year full of great music and fun! Once both parent and student have read the information, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. My email address is mummertcarrie@fairviewschools.org

Thank you,

Mrs. Carrie Mummert

FMS Music Teacher

FMS Ensembles Director

Marching Band Assistant Director