How different it the TJ program from my base school?

It is the same!  Our program is comprehensive and offers every opportunity that you would have at your base school.  Every ensemble is of the highest quality, and you will have the same great experiences and memories that you would have in any band program in the northern VA area.

How do I sign up?

To enroll in the TJ band program, you simply need to select “Advanced Band HN” as your primary choice for elective in the fall (course #9234TL for brass or woodwinds, and course #9234TK for percussion, or pianists interested in a band experience).  All incoming students are asked to do a placement session/video.  Students are placed in the Concert Band by default, and also may audition for a spot in the Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble.  All of these ensembles will be listed as Advanced Band on your schedule, satisfy your TJ Diploma Fine Arts credit during your first year of band, and provide a 0.5 GPA boost as an Honors Level Course each year you participate.  Audition info posts in the Spring in another document on tjbands.org.  Video submissions are typical, live auditions offered too.

What about marching band?

TJMC (Thomas Jefferson Marching Colonials) runs from 3 weeks before the first day of school through the end of 1st quarter and is the most visible ensemble in the school.  We have a handful of pre-season rehearsals before summer break, then our mandatory band camp rehearsals begin 3 weeks before the first day of school at the end of July.  Check tjbands.org for the TJMC 2025 very tentative draft google calendar (Printable version) and other info.  An enrollment link will be posted there by mid-Spring!  Be sure to sign-up for the curricular class first if you’re a wind/percussion player.

See our final 2024 performance here!  

We perform all across the east coast throughout the fall, and have enjoyed great success in recent years. All winds and percussion must be signed up for curricular band during their first year of marching band.  After that, they are encouraged to continue in curricular band but are allowed to take up to one year off without losing marching band eligibility.  Color guard members do not have to be enrolled in curricular band.  Even if you do not play an instrument that typically marches outside (oboe, bassoon, or any non-band instrument) there is always a spot open somewhere in the ensemble for you.  Orchestra members and vocalists are welcome!  No marching experience is required for any member who wishes to join – all first year members are beginners at this!  There will be much more info given out about TJMC once you have signed up for either the band course, or joined the color guard.

What if I don’t currently play an instrument?

For students who are either beginners or just haven’t played their instrument in several years, you will be placed in the concert band and given some targeted instruction to get you acclimated quickly and comfortably.  You may also be asked to take private lessons with a specialist over the spring/summer and/or during the school year so that you are better able to assimilate into the class next year.  Please contact me directly at swballard@fcps.edu if you are in this situation.  Exceptions may be made for beginning percussionists due to the nature of the class, which easily and typically accommodates beginners.

What if I want to switch to a new instrument?

If you are interested in switching to a new instrument, it is allowed solely based on the needs of the ensemble.  In the recent past we have had saxophones switch from alto to another type, clarinets switch to bass clarinet and bassoon, and even flutes changing to tuba.  The instrumentation of the band in the fall will determine the availability/necessity for switchers.  Brass instruments are our most likely needs for next year.