Are you in any of the FMS bands this year and need something to do over the summer next year? Well, I have something that would be great for you. The FMS Summer Music Academy has a variety of instruments for you. You could keep playing over the summer!
Last year, when I participated in the FMS SMA (Summer Music Academy) I played the clarinet, piano, and last but not least, the guitar. Other options include saxophone, flute, music theory, percussion, trumpet, trombone, french horn, bassoon, bass clarinet, and tuba. In addition to these elective classes, band is mandatory, so when enrolled in SMA, students automatically take it as a class. Students may only choose three elective classes in addition to band.
The best part about FMS SMA is the Grand finale concert. The Grand Finale concert is when all the bands and different instrument classes perform for their families and other students in the SMA. At the end of the performance, the teachers greet students with a big hug. Kids come back year after year because of the community. To summarize, classes aren’t the only thing to love about the SMA; the Grand Finale and the atmosphere are just as great and exciting.
In conclusion, the Frelinghuysen Summer Music Academy would be glad to see you next year and provides limited scholarships on an as-needed basis so everyone, from rising 6th graders to rising 8th graders, can participate. Although registration is closed for this year, details for next year can be found here. The Music Academy encouraged me to continue playing music. It changed me and I hope it has an important impact on you too. If FMS students are interested in joining any of these classes, or just want to try playing one of the instruments for one of the FMS bands, give it a try! It’s a lot of fun.
