Ever thought about learning to play a flute, or snare drum, conduct the band, or spin a flag? Well, joining the Franklin-Simpson Band Program is easy and we have a spot ready for you! You can register for a Beginning Band Class and learn to play an instrument starting in 6th grade! Students in 7-11 grades can get started by speaking to the Middle School Band Director, Ms. Lamastus, the HS Band Director, Mr. Graves, or by contacting their Guidance Office.
Students interested in joining the Franklin-Simpson Color Guard will need to audition. There are two opportunities for that throughout the school year. Auditions for Fall color guard take place each year in May. This group is an auxiliary of the marching band and performs with them at football halftime shows, marching competitions, and parades. In the marching band "off season" the color guard practices indoors and competes throughout Kentucky and Tennessee in the Southeast Color Guard Circuit (SCGC) and Winter Guard International (WGI). Winter guard auditions take place in November and competitions take place through April. Look for signs posted around the school for exact dates and times of auditions, check the FS Bands Facebook page, talk to a Fine Arts teacher, or email fshsguard@gmail.com any time. No experience is necessary to audition for guard, we will teach you everything you need to know.
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Learning to play an instrument, perform for an audience, hone skills, and be a part of an ensemble are valuable and easily transferrable skills. Membership in the FS Band Program is a considerable commitment of time and energy, but being part of a "Band Family" is a unique experience not soon forgotten, but cherished for a lifetime.
So one day after marching band practice in 2018–2019 year, Mr. Raaf and Mr. Nash were throwing a frisbee to each other. So Mr. Nash throws it to me, and luckily I catch it. But when I throw it back to them, I accidentally throw it up into the ceiling. For a week, they tried to get it down.
- Hayden Eversole - Senior-
A big reason I am so passionate about music and band are the experiences I have had. From Murray quad state where I met one of my best friends and did the guy next to me’s hair to walking in the freezing cold playing joy to the world on the Franklin square, band has never ceased to amaze me. I love all the people, the conversations, and most importantly the music that I have played during my time in music. To this day, endless rainbows is one of my favorite pieces of music and basically a comfort song for me to play on my own time. I love all the jams I’ve had with Cindy before academic team matches(probably annoying our coaches but oh well) and I know that the memories and friends I have made in band will last me a life time.
-Meredith Burke - Senior-
1. My greatest string of memories from marching band is the 2019 season titled "Crowned". Starting with a relatively new color guard instructor and being among some of the youngest members inspired a buzz throughout the season that sparked my forever interest in color guard. Being a main part of the story as the season progressed allowed me to grow into my current leadership roles. There will always be magic surrounding one's first season and I love to be a part of that for younger ones.
2. I hope I have made my mark on not only the underclassmen, but on the color guard as a whole. Helping out with the smoothness of the program has been such an honor. I applaud Felicia for maturing alongside me as the program needed fit and because of this, she will forever hold a special place in my heart. It isn't everyday that you get to watch your coaches grow up with you.
3. Although Covid robbed me of my freshman year season, it made me all the more grateful to be reunited with my band family upon our return.
-Karlee Crowdus-Senior-
