Editor’s note: This is the second in a two-part series on the Fairhope Middle School Band.

FAIRHOPE, Ala.During a band practice this month at Fairhope Middle School, half the class played a Christmas carol while others played a song by Mozart. Somehow the rhythms and melodies of the two completely different tunes played on dozens of different instruments by nearly 50 students blended together seamlessly in a song called “Santa at the Symphony.”

At least that’s how it sounded to one untutored newspaper reporter, but not apparently to a more sophisticated group of 7th- and 8th-graders asked to critique their own performance.

“Was it perfect, class?” band director Jennifer Salley asked that group of students, who make up just over a third of the complete 131-member FMS symphonic band.

A long pause followed, while the young musicians thought about it, their answer coming soon after.

“No,” was the clear consensus, with some students shouting it out, others saying it more quietly, and many just shaking their heads, apparently resigned that more practice was needed.

“Come on guys,” Salley said. “We’re only as good as our worst player. Let’s try it again.”

And so they did, for close to an hour that morning, working on sections of several songs the band was preparing for one of their biggest concerts of the year.

On Nov. 18, the FMS Band will play in downtown Fairhope when the “Lighting of the Trees” ceremony turns the city into a winter wonderland on that Thursday night a week before the Thanksgiving vacation.

The FMS Band will be joined by the Fairhope High School Band, the reigning Miss Alabama, “Mrs. Claus,” and others to help kick off the holiday season.

“People come from all over the world to visit our special town,” Mayor Tim Kant said. “We are truly blessed to call it home.”

But before that night arrives, the FMS Band has some work ahead of them.

“We’ve got a long way to go on this song, and we’ve only got about 15 rehearsals left,” Salley told the class. “I want it to be your best.”

Salley then pivoted to her left and pointed at one row of musicians.

“OK, trumpets,” she said, “we can do a little better this time. Let’s hear your solo.”

As they played, Salley scrunched up her face, and she didn’t need to ask the students whether they thought what they were playing was the best they could do.

And they did it again.

“That’s much better,” Salley finally said, smiling, after one more try at the same section. The bell rang, and the students headed off.

Was this really a middle school band? It sounded more like a professional symphony-in-training.

“We’re very proud of our band,” said Dr. Deadra Powe, FMS principal. “We’re proud of all our arts programs. They give a needed place for students to fit in and participate, as well as learning important habits and skills.”

Powe said some principals in the county had the option this year to add certain academic programs but lose some arts programs, which she decided against.

“As long as I’m here, we will always have our arts programs,” said Powe, adding the program only pays for the salary of its teachers and little else.

To provide additional support for the band program, Salley works with parents and students to hold an annual fundraiser during their Christmas Concert each year.

The band program has also turned to a contest sponsored by The Clorox Foundation for support.

The public has until Nov. 1 to vote for the FMS Band’s “Making Music in Middle School” application in which the middle school could win up to $50,000 to support its band program with instruments, repairs and supplies, Salley said.

The easiest way to vote for the FMS Band program is by visiting this website: www.facebook.com/pages/Fairhope-Middle-School/115369918477316?ref=ts.

To hear the FMS Band in concert, attend the Nov. 18 “Lighting of the Trees,” with festivities starting at 5:30 p.m. and the lights coming on promptly at 6 p.m.

“They like that piece a lot,” Salley said of the “Santa at the Symphony” song. “I hope everyone will come out to hear them play it.”