Performing Arts

It is a program for any student who has a desire and interest in performing with a band, and who has a willingness to work.  Playing an instrument teaches students to be creative, and to work actively towards a goal.  It gives them a sense of belonging and it teaches them to work together.

The factor that is most overlooked is that band provides students the opportunity to make friends and be part of the school's largest team!  Nothing comes easy.  Playing an instrument is hard work.  The recognition and rewards for those students who practice are many.  The more practice put into learning to play an instrument, the more enjoyable the time in band.

Whether students continue on into music later in life or not, the skills and self-discipline learned in band can help them become successful at whatever they set out to do.  Many successful professionals have paid their way through college by playing an instrument.

BEGINNING BAND

Beginning Band is for students who did not take band at the 6th or 7th grade level. Students in this class are fitted to an instrument that is best suited for them. This class is available to any 7th or 8th grade student who wishes to learn how to play an instrument.   This band is split into two separate classes, BEGINNING BAND PERCUSSION and BEGINNING BAND BRASS/WOODWINDS. Students will focus on developing good playing techniques and play a variety of music. Fundamentals will be practiced in class as well as at home.  BEGINNING BAND is a yearlong course.

CONCERT BAND

The Concert Band is a group that consists of seventh and eighth graders. Students in this ensemble are exposed to a wide variety of music, and they perform at four concerts throughout the year. CONCERT BAND is a yearlong course.

PEP BAND

Pep Band is an extracurricular group that will play various rock tunes and standard spirit tunes at FCJH Basketball games. The Pep Band has a limited number of after school rehearsals and before games. It is open to any student who plays a band instrument, piano, drum set and electric bass. This is a non-auditioned group, but members must have one year of playing experience on their instrument.  

SYMPHONIC BAND

Symphonic Band is the most advanced band at Fall Creek Junior High. Expectations to maintain a high degree of excellence and achievement are placed upon the students of this band. Hard work, self discipline, and attention to musicianship are the key elements to the success of this ensemble.  SYMPHONIC BAND is a year long course.

JAZZ BAND

Jazz band is a non auditioned group that is available to any student who plays a woodwind or brass instrument, piano, double bass, drum set, electric bass, or guitar. The band will generally meet once a week after school during the first semester and will perform on the Winter Concert.

Your voice is your instrument!

The goal of our choirs is to promote lasting individual musicianship with an emphasis on vocal development and proper singing technique.  We will accomplish this goal through ensemble and solo singing a variety of musical styles, sight-singing, part-singing, listening exercises and performance experiences.

7th Grade CHOIR

Seventh grade choir consists of 7th grade boys and girls mixed at a variety of ability levels. You can be a beginner or a veteran singer! No experience necessary. Music of various styles and cultures will be learned and performed. Professional choreographers will teach dances to some songs and there will be some music without movement. Students will study solfege and music theory to assist them in vocal technique and reading music. There are 4 mandatory, evening concerts as well as some optional performances such as singing the National Anthem at school basketball games. All students are welcome in choir!

8th Grade CHOIR

Eighth grade choir opportunities typically include an Honors Girls Chorus and an Honors Mixed Chorus. These groups are typically made up of veteran singers who took choir in 7th grade but can also include new singers with a desire to learn! There are 4 required evening performances for all performing choirs as well as ISSMA large group contest, and opportunities to sing the National Anthem at athletic events as well as participate in events with HSE High School Choirs! Music of various styles and cultures will be learned and performed. Professional choreographers will teach dances to some songs and there will be some music without movement. Students will study solfege and music theory to assist them in vocal technique and reading music. All students are welcome in choir!

The Fall Creek Junior High Orchestras are open to any 7th or 8th grade student who has had one year of instruction at one of Hamilton Southeastern Schools’ intermediate orchestra programs, or by director audition.  Students are placed in Chamber, Symphonic or Philharmonic orchestra at the director’s discretion based upon musical work ethic, attitude and playing ability.  All three orchestras maintain a strong tradition of musical excellence, with members performing all over the community in small groups and as string and full orchestras.  A Chamber Music unit each winter provides students with an opportunity to perform in small chamber string groups.  A highlight of the Holiday Season is our annual “Caroling Strings Night” at an Indiana Pacers basketball game each December.  The goal of the FCJH Orchestra Program is to prepare students to be successful musicians at the high school level and beyond. 

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

The Fall Creek Junior High Chamber Orchestra is open to any 7th or 8th grade student who displays the musical work ethic necessary to play in a more advanced junior high orchestra setting.  This orchestra plays music graded at 2.5 and above at most of their concerts and competes in the Indiana State School Music Association’s Organizational Contest at the Group I level each year.  The focus in this class is on advanced playing techniques like vibrato, upper position work, advanced rhythms and key signatures as well as musicality and phrasing.  This orchestra also combines with auditioned wind, brass and percussion players from the FCJH Band Program to form a full symphonic orchestra for school and community performances. 

PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

The Fall Creek Junior High Philharmonic Orchestra is open to any 7th or 8th grader who displays the musical work ethic necessary to play in a standard to intermediate junior high orchestra setting.  This orchestra plays music graded at 1-2 in most of their concerts and competes in the Indiana State School Music Association’s Organizational Contest at the Group IV level each year.  The focus in this class is on standard junior high orchestra techniques like quality sound production, note reading, bow placement and control, altered finger patterns, advanced articulation and more advanced ensemble playing.

SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA

The Fall Creek Junior High Symphonic Orchestra is open to any 7th or 8th grade student who displays the musical work ethic necessary to play in an intermediate junior high orchestra setting.  This orchestra plays music graded at 1.5-2.5 in most of their concerts and competes in the Indiana State School Music Association’s Organizational Contest at the Group II or III level each year.  The focus in this class is on the intermediate playing techniques like shifting, quality sound production, vibrato, advanced articulation and the introduction of more complex rhythms and key signatures.