Afterschool Band at Johnny D's

The origin of the Fayerweather Street School After School Band (ASB) dates back to the 1970s, when the school was fairly new and was located at its original Fayerweather Street address. Over the years, the structure and organization of the band has evolved and we are now in our 20th year as a group in the afterschool program.

ASB provides an opportunity for motivated student musicians who want to play in an organized band with guidance and support from an experienced adult musician. Students must audition to become a member of the band and must be able to show proficiency on at least one instrument, with two years of individual lessons or relevant experience. Knowledge of basic music theory and reading is considered a beneficial skill and is an ongoing part of the ASB ​curriculum. 

The band rehearses over several months, with students selecting most of the music and, eventually, conducting the group themselves. The culmination of their hard work is a performance at a local professional venue.

The different bands (5/6 and 7/8 grades) range in size from four to 12 members, depending on instrumentation. This year the 5/6 Band includes a trumpet, trombone, percussion and bass player. The Unit Band is comprised of 12 members, who play guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and saxophone, accompanied by two vocalists.

Currently, the bands are working on performance pieces that include music from The Staples Singers and from brass band tunes.
 

Highlights

Fayerweather Street School | 765 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138 | 617-876-4746
Fayerweather is a private PreK, kindergarten, elementary and middle school. We engage each child’s intellect.